🍄 Fungi underfoot boost forest plant variety

Fungal partnerships beneath the forest floor significantly shape the diversity of ground-level herbs. Researchers in China studied this in a temperate region, analyzing 34,850 trees and 389 herbaceous species in 2017. Forests with a mix of fungal partnerships showed richer understory communities compared to those dominated by one type. Climate patterns and nitrogen availability also play roles in determining herb diversity. Further studies are needed to fully understand how these mycorrhizal types affect species survival.

🏆 India vs Sri Lanka in Asian Games 2026 final

The Indian women's cricket team will face Sri Lanka in the Asian Games 2026 final at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin on Tuesday. This high-stakes match mirrors the gold medal contest from Hangzhou 2023. India reached the final by beating Bangladesh by 114 runs in the semi-finals. Sri Lanka also performed strongly, defeating Pakistan by eight wickets in their semi-final match. The final starts at 10:30 AM IST and will be streamed on Sony LIV.

💊 Novo Nordisk needs a plan post-weight loss boom

Novo Nordisk, the maker of Wegovy, is facing increasing pressure from investors. Stakeholders are demanding the company develop a clear strategy beyond just weight-loss pharmaceuticals. This focus comes as the market heavily values their recent success in obesity treatment. The company needs to demonstrate growth avenues for the future beyond these blockbuster drugs. Novo Nordisk must now pivot to secure long-term relevance in the pharma sector. 📈

😠 Congress slams PM Modi over rising food prices

Congress criticized the Modi government regarding the skyrocketing costs of food items on Monday, September 21, 2026. Jairam Ramesh shared reports showing that surging prices of pulses and cooking oil are straining household budgets across the nation. Over the past month, spice prices saw increases from 10% to 25%, and onions rose by 82.3% between June and September. Ramesh questioned the Prime Minister's silence on inflation, asking where the promised good times have gone. The Congress demands immediate action against this uncontrolled inflation to help the common people. 😠

🗣️ Salman Khan defended Katrina Kaif against body shaming

Salman Khan spoke out against trolling and body-shaming targeting Katrina Kaif following her appearance in Mumbai. He addressed this during his 'Weekend Ka Vaar' show on Bigg Boss 20, specifically referencing her postpartum weight gain. The actor strongly criticized trolls while also defending himself against age-related online jabs. Salman further slammed the paparazzi for taking inappropriate shots of female celebrities. He told girls to confront such intrusive photography directly. 😠

🏟️ How Afghanistan Hosted India in Delhi

Afghanistan hosted a three-match T20I series against India in Delhi, marking a first for both nations in this setup. The event took place at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, featuring the cutout of Taq-e Zafar to represent the host country. Over 20,000 spectators attended each game between the dates of the series. Delhi was chosen due to its capacity and easier connectivity from Afghanistan, following an issue in Greater Noida. The DDCA and ACB collaborated on this arrangement, with the local police handling security for most matches. 🏏

🌟 Top 5 zodiac signs having the best week ahead ✨

Five zodiac signs are predicted to have the best horoscopes from September 21 to September 27, 2026. This positive week brings romantic energy and opportunities to meet new people, especially with Libra season starting on September 22. The Aries Full Moon on September 26 challenges views on friendships and romance, pushing for more self-appreciation. Aries needs to practice self-care, Taurus benefits from relationship upgrades, and Gemini finds adventure. Aquarius will feel momentum building as they start stepping into the spotlight.

📱 Can Apple's foldable beat Android's benchmarks?

Apple is set to launch its first foldable, the iPhone Duo, priced at $1,999 in the U.S. This comes seven years after Samsung released the original Galaxy Fold in the market. Global foldable market growth is projected at 20% in 2026, but foldables currently make up only 1.4% of global smartphone samples. Samsung maintains a clear lead, dominating with 76.2% of all global foldable Speedtest samples. Future sales for the Duo depend on consumer acceptance despite its premium price point. 📱

🧠 Dementia risk: what you can actually control

Dementia might not be an unavoidable part of getting older, as new science suggests. Researchers identified 14 modifiable risk factors, like blood pressure and diet, which account for an estimated 45% of global cases. The Lancet Commission update highlighted these risks across the entire lifespan, urging early intervention. Furthermore, new blood tests are making Alzheimer's diagnosis less invasive and more accurate. Overall, maintaining good physical and cardiovascular health is key to better brain health. 🧠

⚠️ SBI warns customers about upcoming bank strike

The State Bank of India issued an advisory regarding a nationwide bank strike planned from September 28 to 30, 2026. This protest action is being called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) following previous strikes. While branches may be affected, ATMs, ADWMs, and digital banking services like UPI are expected to remain operational. Customers are advised to finish necessary in-branch work beforehand to avoid disruptions. The union has also announced a continuous strike starting on October 26 as part of its ongoing agitation.

🍬 Muslim couple snags Ganesh laddu at auction in AP

A Muslim couple successfully won a Ganesh laddu auction during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Andhra Pradesh. Chandini and Mastan Vali participated in the event at Parthasaradhi Nagar, Sri Sathya Sai district. They bid Rs 1,45,000 for the rare sweet during the festival. Chandini fulfilled a vow made after having a son by winning the laddu to distribute prasadam. The couple then shared the laddu and joined the Ganesh immersion procession.