✨ Miss Universe finalist back at Google job

Miss Universe India 2026 finalist Umanga Kumawat returned to her role as a Google Cloud engineer in Bengaluru after the pageant. Kumawat represented Madhya Pradesh and reached the Top 20 out of 52 finalists. The national finale, where Kaziah Liz Mejia won, was held in Jaipur on August 23. Her social media post showed a normal corporate day, proving her tech career remains her focus. This highlights varied paths where pageant life coexists with a steady corporate career.

🦕 Pig-like dino found in London museum

Researchers re-examined old remains and discovered a new prehistoric species called Dinodontosaurus isiyavamanda. This ancient animal belonged to the dicynodont herbivorous group found in Tanzania. The fossils were originally unearthed during a 1963 expedition and later studied in the 1990s. This find confirms the genus Dinodontosaurus outside of South America, linking two fossil-bearing regions. Further study is ongoing to understand its place in prehistoric life. 🦕

🎬 OpenClips turns product link into ready-to-run video ads

OpenClips can now convert a single product URL directly into a finished, production-ready video advertisement. This new feature was rolled out in Dubai, UAE, on September 16, 2026, by the company. It skips the lengthy process of writing prompts, scripting, and planning shots for campaigns needing dozens of variants. OpenClips uses the product page's imagery and features to create a scene-by-scene storyboard automatically. The platform aggregates over 45 video and image models, making ad creation much faster for marketers. 🚀

🏡 Rinku Singh's Aligarh mansion reveal before December wedding

Rinku Singh is set to marry Priya Saroj on December 4, 2026, at the Ramada Hotel in Lucknow. The cricketer's home in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, is a six-bedroom bungalow valued at ₹3.5 crore. The property, located in The Golden Estate at Ozone City, spans about 500 square yards. This luxurious house contrasts sharply with his modest beginnings, featuring a private pool and rooftop bar. The home also showcases memorabilia from his IPL 2023 five consecutive sixes innings. 🏏

🥝 NZ passes free trade deal with India, cuts import duties

New Zealand's Parliament officially passed the bill to implement its free trade agreement with India. This move involves both nations, with the agreement signed on April 27. The legislation passed with 93 votes in favour and 29 against. The deal eliminates or significantly reduces tariffs on 95% of New Zealand's exports to India. Wellington has also committed to investing $20 billion in India over the next 15 years. 🥝

⚖️ CMRL pay-off case: UDF deciding on ED demands ⚖️

Kerala's CM V.D. Satheesan indicated the UDF government is close to deciding on the ED's demand for prosecution in the CMRL-Exalogic pay-off case. The ED issued a 25-page report demanding that Pinarayi Vijayan, T. Veena, and P. A. Mohamed Riyas be booked for accepting bribes. This follows an ED raid in May 2026 where they reportedly confiscated a diary detailing illicit transactions. The government is currently scrutinizing the legality of the ED's case and available law enforcement options. Riyas suggested the UDF is questioning the ED's actions against CPI(M) rivals.

🤔 MPs Question New UPI Merchant Fee Hike

Opposition MPs voiced strong concerns regarding the government's plan to charge merchants for UPI payments exceeding ₹2,000. The issue was raised during a meeting on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, by members like N.K. Premchandran. Starting October 15, the government will introduce a 0.4% fee on such high-value merchant transfers. This move ends the near six years of entirely free UPI transactions for merchants. The Finance Ministry assured that everyday person-to-person payments will remain free for users. 💸

👮 Cop Suspended for Posting Secret Info on Insta Reels

A Delhi Police Constable, Deepak Bangar, has been suspended following a serious breach of duty. He was part of the Rooftop Sniper team assigned to protect foreign delegates during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The incident occurred after Bangar posted Instagram Reels displaying firearms and sensitive security details. This action violated strict protocol while he was on official protection duty. Authorities are currently investigating the severity of this security lapse. 👮

⚠️ Activist Jarange risks dehydration en route to Mumbai

Fasting Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange is reportedly dehydrated and at risk of electrolyte imbalance. He was examined by doctors in Patoda, Maharashtra's Beed district on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Doctors noted no urine output since morning, and his blood sugar was also low. The activist, on his 19th day of hunger strike, mentioned severe stomach and foot sensations. He is slated to reach Azad Maidan in Mumbai on September 19, covering over 400 km.

📉 Oracle uses same layoff email for second round cuts

Oracle sent out another round of mass layoffs this year using an email identical to one sent in March. The company announced these job cuts to staff in various locations, including India, on Monday. While the total affected numbers are not yet known, the cuts are part of a larger organizational change. Employees were told their role was eliminated, and today was their last working day, with severance details following later. Oracle leadership has not commented on the cuts, which are tied to a $2.8 billion restructuring estimate. 😔

🏎️ F1 2027: Sprint Races Up to 10 Next Year

Formula 1 has decided to boost the sprint races from six to ten for the 2027 World Championship. These new sprint events will be held in Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco, and Abu Dhabi for the first time. The 2027 season kicks off on March 12-14 in Bahrain, with the British Grand Prix on July 2-4. The calendar also brings back Portugal and Turkey, adding more intensity to the season. This expansion reflects the global appeal and continued growth of the sport. 🏎️