📈 EPFO wage cap hiked to ₹25,000 per month

The Union Cabinet approved increasing the wage ceiling for EPFO mandatory coverage to ₹25,000 from ₹15,000. This decision was announced by Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, during a press briefing. It is expected to bring over 51 lakh additional employees under EPFO's ambit. This expansion will also boost access to PF savings and pension protection under EPS. Around one crore workers are anticipated to benefit from this significant coverage increase.

📈 AP raises government job age limit to 44

Andhra Pradesh has increased the upper age limit for non-uniform government jobs from 42 to 44 years until September 30, 2027. This change affects candidates applying for 892 notified posts across various departments by the APPSC. The decision was made following representations citing limited recruitment opportunities for unemployed youth recently. This new ceiling places AP second among southern states compared to Telangana and Kerala. Applications for these 892 posts start on October 6, with detailed notifications to follow.

🚨 Israeli drug dealer Atala surrenders in Goa

Absconding Israeli drug dealer Yaniv Benaim alias Atala surrendered to a Goa court on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. He was remanded to 30-day judicial custody in connection with a narcotics case in North Goa. The case originated from his April 5, 2025, arrest after cocaine and charas were seized. His bail plea before the Bombay High Court is scheduled for September 21. Atala was previously known in Goa for a 2010 alleged nexus with police and politicians. 🚨

🧊 Earth losing massive ice mass from Greenland and Antarctica

Satellite data reveals that the Earth has lost over 12 trillion tons of ice from Greenland and Antarctica. This massive loss was tracked over the past 47 years by various scientific monitoring agencies. The data points to accelerating glacial melt in both polar regions globally. This trend is directly linked to rising global temperatures and climate change effects. Scientists are now intensifying their research to predict future ice loss rates. 🧊

⚠️ US warns travel to Saudi Arabia due to Houthi threats 🇸🇦

The United States has advised citizens to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia amidst renewed security risks. This warning was issued by the US Embassy in Riyadh following Iranian missile and drone attacks and armed conflict. The Level 3 advisory, dated September 15, comes as Houthi rebels from Yemen have targeted the kingdom. Some areas face higher risks, and commercial flights have seen significant disruptions recently. Furthermore, the Yemen border region is under a separate Level 4 'Do Not Travel' warning.

⌚ Glashütte Original drops new 70s watch line

Glashütte Original has launched a reworked 70s collection of integrated sports watches, moving away from the older chronograph focus. This new line, featuring three variants, is available from September 2026 across boutiques globally. The watches are significantly slimmer and sport a conventional date display instead of the Panorama Date. They are powered by the modern Calibre 36, offering 100 hours of power reserve. The Vinyl Record edition is limited to 500 pieces, priced at USD 16,300. 🕰️

⛈️ Thunderstorms expected across 23 Telangana districts

Thunderstorms are forecasted for 23 districts in Telangana on Thursday, September 17, 2026. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued this warning for several districts, including Hyderabad and Karimnagar. These weather events are expected to bring lightning and gusty winds to isolated areas. For Hyderabad city over the next 24 hours, partly cloudy skies are anticipated with light rain or thundershowers. Maximum and minimum temperatures are projected to be around 33℃ and 24℃, respectively. ⛈️

🧐 Comments debate Ahmedabad's city vibe

Readers challenged the idea that Ahmedabad became an unwelcoming city, arguing it never was. The city, located in Gujarat, historically lacked strong liberal or left-leaning movements outside a few activists. Protests like Navnirman Andolan in 1974 involved Sangh affiliates, and early segregation was visible in the centuries-old pols. The textile industry's caste hierarchy and subsequent collapse marked a downturn in communal peace. Consequently, the attacks on book readers are seen as unsurprising in a culture where caste inquiry is common. 📚

🩺 Medical student stipend ruled tax-free by ITAT Delhi

A postgraduate medical student received an Rs 18.34 lakh stipend from Aligarh Muslim University during her PG Medical course. The Income Tax Department initially treated this amount as taxable salary, leading to a notice being issued to the student. However, the ITAT Delhi ruled in her favour on July 30, 2026. The tribunal determined the stipend was directly connected to her MS (General Surgery) education, not compensation for services. Therefore, the Rs 18.34 lakh stipend was allowed to remain exempt under Section 10(16).

👵 Dying dementia patients briefly regain awareness

An 81-year-old woman with advanced Alzheimer’s showed sudden clarity before passing away in Iceland. This phenomenon, called terminal lucidity, involves a brief return of cognitive function near death. Studies suggest this happens in 6% of hospice deaths, indicating it isn't super rare. If true, it could change how science views memory storage in damaged brains. However, observer bias raises questions about whether these moments are truly meaningful. 🧠

🚀 India can take down satellites, but is it ready for space war?

The US recently acknowledged deploying 'space control weapons' in orbit, signaling a new era of space warfare. This development puts India's readiness against global powers like China and Russia into question. While the US announced this in 2024, India successfully demonstrated its ASAT capability during Mission Shakti in 2019. This mission saw the DRDO launch a Prithvi Defence Vehicle Mark-II from Odisha's APJ Abdul Kalam Island. This capability confirms India possesses the know-how to intercept and destroy orbiting satellites if needed. 🛰️