🏛️ Bharat Mandapam hosts BRICS Summit in Delhi

World leaders are gathering in New Delhi for the 2026 BRICS summit, which will be hosted at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam. This massive venue, located in Pragati Maidan, was built across 123 acres at a cost of Rs 2,700 crore and opened in 2023. The summit will see crucial discussions on global issues like the Russia-Ukraine war and AI over the next two days. The complex, inspired by Indian civilization, can host delegates from over 150 countries. Hall No. 14 will specifically host the BRICS Business Forum with PM Modi and Vladimir Putin. 🇮🇳

😟 Faculty Shortage Threatens GIDS's Future

A shortage of faculty and researchers is causing major concern for GIDS, a national research institute in Lucknow. The institute, funded by ICSSR and the State government, has only nine out of 18 sanctioned faculty posts filled as of December 2025. No permanent appointments have occurred since 2016, and promotions have been delayed for nearly a decade. This situation is criticized as a systematic weakening of premier academic bodies. The consequences include a growing trust deficit in government statistics. 📉

🌍 Xi Jinping's big role in BRICS expansion

Xi Jinping's involvement in BRICS has shown China's shifting global priorities since 2013. He has been central to major events, including the New Development Bank launch and the bloc's expansion. Over the last decade, BRICS grew significantly beyond its initial five members. Xi’s diplomacy has closely matched the group's increasing global ambitions. The timeline revisits these key moments shaping his journey with the coalition.

🔬 Diabetes and Optic Nerve Diameter Link Found

A retrospective observational study investigated the relationship between diabetes mellitus and the optic nerve sheath diameter measured via CT scans. The research focused on a group of patients across various settings to draw conclusions about this association. Specific data points, including patient demographics and measurement dates, were compiled for analysis. This study contributes to understanding potential complications related to long-term diabetes management. Future research will likely explore intervention strategies based on these findings.

🚨 Fake sports certs linked to govt job racket

A Pune Police probe uncovered a massive racket involving fake Kurash sports certificates used for government jobs. The investigation targets 71 recruits in police and other departments across Maharashtra. Authorities are scrutinizing 1,200 to 1,500 certificates issued between 2016 and 2023. This scam involved falsely claiming state-level competitions that never actually took place. Police are now expanding the probe to check for fake national and international certificates.

💾 Your AI Photos Aren't Forever

AI-generated images, like those in '80s style filters, are not permanent fixtures on the platform. The data uploaded by users is processed and stored temporarily for model training purposes. Specifically, these images are retained for a limited time frame after generation on various systems. This practice helps developers improve the AI's capabilities and refine its output quality over time. Users should be aware of this data lifecycle before uploading personal visuals.

🔊 Best soundbars for epic movie nights at home 🎬

Five premium soundbars featuring Dolby Atmos and deep bass are recommended for home movie nights. These options range from JBL's Bar 500MK2 to Sonos Beam (Gen 2) and others across different price points. Models start around ₹50,000 and offer immersive audio experiences for TV and music. Buyers should choose based on whether they need powerful bass or a compact, expandable system. These soundbars aim to elevate home entertainment beyond standard TV speakers.

🛁 Roman Emperor's secret spa found in Serbia

An unusual private bath complex, featuring heated floors and a sauna, has been unearthed by archaeologists. This sophisticated suite was built for Roman Emperor Maximinus Daza within his palace in Vrelo-Šarkamen, eastern Serbia. The discovery dates back to around AD 310, when Daza ruled from 310 to 313. This elaborate design contrasts with typical Roman bathhouses, highlighting the emperor's private luxury. Researchers plan further digs to understand the bath's function in the palace. 🧐

🤰 Saree mishap sparked pregnancy rumours for Neena Gupta

Actress Neena Gupta shared how a saree adjustment led to pregnancy rumours while promoting her Netflix show Chumbak. The incident occurred when she was around 60 years old, and the saree's fold made her waist look slightly bulky. This situation highlighted the intense public scrutiny women face regarding their appearance and bodies. Neena advises those facing body-shaming to respond with an unexpected answer, like claiming pregnancy. Her experience underscores the need to stop judging others without knowing their personal circumstances. 🧐

🌟 Navya Nanda on the weight of big names

Navya Naveli Nanda stated that everyone has a surname and an equal responsibility to uphold it. She spoke at the launch of Arundhati Bhattacharya's memoir, Aparajita, in India. The discussion took place on an evening where Nanda shared her perspective on identity building. She pushed back against being defined only by her family ties, despite the pressure. Young people today seek purpose over mere profit, she noted. 🌟

🦧 IFS Officer saves five baby orangutans in Odisha

Five baby orangutans were discovered abandoned deep within a forest in Odisha. IFS Officer Pratik Indalkar's team responded to the call at 5:35 AM and managed a crowd of approximately 2,000 people to secure the rescue. The endangered animals were given food and medicine before starting an 8-hour journey of 300 km. They were subsequently taken to Nandankanan Zoo to receive necessary specialized care. This quick action by Pratik Indalkar and his team provided crucial help to the vulnerable creatures.