🏎️ F1 Baku action kicks off with Free Practice 1

The 2026 F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix begins with Free Practice 1 at the Baku City Circuit. Lewis Hamilton is looking to bounce back, while Kimi Antonelli aims to build towards his first drivers' championship. George Russell needs to chip away at his Mercedes teammate's lead to stay in title contention. McLaren and Red Bull are expected to battle for third-quickest overall this weekend. The competition at the front could bring some unexpected twists during the event.

📹 Shocking footage surfaces in Veeramani case

India Today has accessed video footage central to the child sexual abuse case against 84-year-old granite baron R Veeramani. Tamil Nadu Congress leader MP Ranjan Kumar initially provided this footage to police after seeing visuals resembling Veeramani. The case first surfaced in October 2025 when an NGO submitted a pen drive to Chennai Police, leading to an FIR. After an initial closure report, a POCSO Court ordered a fresh investigation, uncovering over seven minor victims. Now, a new probe is examining the rented house in Teynampet and looking into the handling of the original case. 🧐

🚀 Jessica Watkins to lead SpaceX Crew-13 to ISS

Jessica Watkins, a geologist turned astronaut, is set to command the SpaceX Crew-13 mission to the International Space Station. She will lead a four-member international crew launching from NASA and SpaceX on October 1st. This mission will be her second spaceflight, following her 2022 trip on Crew-4. Her prior work included research on Mars and serving as the first Black woman on an ISS expedition. The crew's stay is expected to last about six months, focusing on research and life support. 🛰️

💧 SC asks Karnataka to reply to TN's water plea

The Supreme Court asked Karnataka to respond to Tamil Nadu's application regarding Cauvery water shortfall. The case involves the States of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the Supreme Court. Tamil Nadu claims a shortfall of around 16 TMC, while Karnataka argues it released excess water. The court sought clarification on the exact deficit amount between the two states. The matter has been listed for further hearing in October. 💧

🌿 Cannabis might not be a de-stress button

A new study suggests that cannabis might not function as a true de-stressor for users. Researchers at Washington State University found that regular cannabis users showed similar stress levels to those given a placebo. The study involved 120 users divided into two drug dosage groups and one placebo group, conducted in New Delhi. The findings indicate that the perceived relaxation could be heavily influenced by the placebo effect, despite some initial cortisol dips. Ultimately, the research warns that common stress relief perceptions need re-evaluation for cannabis use. 🌿

🏛️ High Court questions state over arrest of Nandigram candidate

The Calcutta High Court pulled up the State regarding the arrest of a Nandigram Congress candidate in another 2007 case. This happened after the candidate, Pradhan, sought protection from criminal cases before the bypolls. Though the Court assured no further arrests on September 22, a trial court remanded him in a sixth case on September 23. The counsel argued this case was undisclosed, but the AAG countered that warrants were pending since 2021. The Court ultimately directed police not to take coercive steps in the sixth case until October 12.

💪 Akash Deep's comeback after seven months injury layoff

Akash Deep is finally making a comeback after a seven-month injury layoff following a lower-back stress fracture. He has been included in the 15-member Rest of India squad, led by Rishabh Pant, for the Irani Cup match. This match is scheduled to start from October 1 in Srinagar against the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy champions Jammu and Kashmir. Despite missing IPL 2026, he prioritizes big stage opportunities for Bengal cricket. He praises the BCCI's Centre of Excellence for helping him regain complete match fitness. 🏏

🇺🇦 Zelenskyy warns India against Russian war pull

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy addressed India during a UN event, cautioning the nation against involvement in the ongoing conflict. He specifically urged Indian leadership not to allow Vladimir Putin to drag the country into the war. The message was delivered during a recent high-level international gathering. This statement highlighted Ukraine's concern regarding India's geopolitical stance amidst the global crisis. Zelenskyy emphasized maintaining distance from the military escalation.

🧐 Putin's Moves: Escalation in Foreign Affairs

Vladimir Putin has reportedly escalated his foreign policy activities in recent months. These actions are taking place across various international frontiers. Specific reports detail increases in military posturing and diplomatic pressure starting around late 2023. This escalation is seen by analysts as a response to ongoing geopolitical shifts and regional tensions. Future developments will likely involve further strategic moves from Russia. 🧐

⚖️ SC asks ECI for timeline on TMC name battle

The Supreme Court has requested the Election Commission of India (ECI) to provide a timeframe for deciding the Trinamool Congress name dispute. This issue involves rival factions led by Mamata Banerjee and Ritabrata Banerjee in West Bengal. The ECI issued an interim order on September 17th, affecting upcoming by-elections on October 6th. Mamata Banerjee's faction received the 'Mamata All India Trinamool Congress' name, while the rival faction got 'Democratic Trinamool Congress'. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal pressed the court to expedite the decision process. ⚖️

📚 IIT Bombay changes hostel and counselling after student's death

IIT Bombay is proposing a shift to twin-sharing hostel rooms for students across all years. This decision follows the death of BTech student Sahil Wakode at the institute. The changes were discussed during an Open House meeting on Monday, September 24, 2026. The institute is also boosting mental health support by increasing counselling hours in six hostels and the Wellness Centre. They are preparing an immediate action list while the Mumbai Police investigate the circumstances of Sahil's death. 😥