💡 Iron and light make adding methyl groups easier

Scientists at Rice University developed a new organic synthesis method for forming essential carbon-carbon bonds. This breakthrough utilizes sulfur, iron, and violet light in a greener system for alkene hydroalkylation. The method allows chemists to build molecules cheaply and flexibly, opening doors for future drug discovery. They successfully applied this to synthesize a GPR119 agonist, a weight-loss drug component. Further experiments are planned to improve the moderate yields achieved in initial tests.

🛰️ DNA sequencing done in space, small device used

Astronaut Kathleen Rubins performed the first DNA sequencing in space using the MinION device. This took place aboard the International Space Station while she was serving as a flight engineer. In August 2016, she processed samples of mouse, bacterial, and viral DNA. This addressed the delay in diagnosing astronaut illnesses in long space missions, like those headed to Mars. The success paved the way for future research, including the Genes in Space 3 inquiry. 🚀

🇺🇸 Trump drops 25 'term three' wins before midterms

Donald Trump released a list of 25 accomplishments ahead of the US midterms, calling his record 'Term Three.' These claims include securing the most border in history with zero illegal aliens admitted in the past 16 months. Trump also asserted that US forces obliterated Iran's nuclear capacity and settled eight raging wars. Economically, he cited the largest tax cuts and imposed tariffs like 50% on foreign steel. These announcements come as cost of living remains a top concern for US voters. 🇺🇸

😥 Father scalds toddler during domestic spat in Thane

A Kalyan man allegedly assaulted his two-year-old son after the toddler avoided him at home. The incident occurred in Parnaka, Kalyan West, on September 13th at around 11 pm. The father slammed the child down and pressed his hand onto a hot plate, causing three fingers to scald. He also allegedly hit his wife with a broom when she intervened to protect the child. The accused, Rahul Suresh Visale, is booked under several acts and has not yet been arrested. 😥

🕵️ ISI digital spy network busted in Kathua

J&K Police dismantled a sophisticated surveillance network after arresting a 24-year-old truck driver. The suspect, Aman, was apprehended in Kathua following a joint operation by security agencies. The operation was registered at Police Station Rajbagh on September 19, 2026. Pakistani handlers used a honey-trap to coerce him into spying on military assets using a smart CCTV camera. Investigators are now tracing financial trails and looking for other links in the network. 🕵️

🇮🇳 India stands firm against US tariff pressure on Russian oil

India has publicly rejected the pressure from the US regarding potential tariffs tied to its Russian oil purchases. Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that India maintains an independent foreign policy. He specifically addressed the new US-Russia sanctions legislation during the recent developments. Singh argued that the imposed tariffs are unfair and emphasized national interests as the top priority. This stance reaffirms India's commitment to its own policy decisions going forward.

🦟 El Niño gives dengue a three-month heads-up in Kerala

A new study found that dengue burden in Kerala is linked to monsoon rainfall, temperature, humidity, and El Niño. The state typically sees about 5,000 cases annually, with spikes reaching 21,993 in 2017 and 20,088 in 2024. Researchers project dengue incidence could rise 16%–20% between 2021 and 2040. El Niño conditions offer a potential three-month predictability window for health planners. This research aims to enhance prevention strategies against rising dengue cases.

🔬 NASA tests human kidney cells in space

NASA sent tiny human "organs-on-chips" into orbit to study human organ responses to space. Researchers placed kidney tissue chips on the International Space Station in May 2019. The experiment analyzed cellular changes under microgravity, comparing space samples to Earth controls. The study showed injury and inflammatory changes linked to aging when exposed to serum. This research could help understand diseases and keep astronauts healthy on future missions. 🔬

🚨 Delhi CM slams AAP over Punjab's drug issue

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta criticized the AAP government for failing to curb the drug menace in Punjab. She spoke at a public meeting in Fatehgarh Sahib on Saturday, September 19, 2026, during the 'Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra'. Gupta stated that promises to eliminate drugs within three months have been repeatedly extended six times. She alleged that AAP leaders are misusing public funds and exploiting the state's finances. The BJP's yatra is presented as a movement to free Punjab from drugs and crime. 😟

🏏 Rizwan seeks ICC clarity amid betting probe

Mohammad Rizwan has approached the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit seeking procedure guidance regarding corruption suspicions. This move comes after the Lahore High Court rejected the NCCIA's jurisdiction challenge in related matters. Rizwan, who played about 250 international matches, is being questioned after returning from England's tour. He wants to know if the PCB followed proper procedures if they suspect any player of corruption. His phone was confiscated in London and is now under forensic examination by the NCCIA. 🏏

😔 Tragedy strikes in Raichur Ganesh procession

Two minor boys tragically died and one man was injured during a Ganesh idol immersion procession in Raichur. The deceased were 12-year-old Suchit Kumar and 13-year-old Charan Kumar, while Vijay (35) was hurt. The incident happened in the early hours of Saturday, September 19, 2026. The FIR states the accident occurred when a tractor driver drove rashly near a speed breaker. The Raichur Traffic Police have registered a case against the driver and started an investigation. 😔