🪐 NASA probe sinks into asteroid Bennu unexpectedly

NASA's OSIRIS-REx probe touched the carbon-rich asteroid Bennu on October 20, 2020. The spacecraft made contact with Bennu, near the Empire State Building in size, after orbiting since December 2018. The probe sank about 20 inches into loose rock and blasted roughly six tons of debris away. This showed the surface is a 'rubble pile' rather than solid rock, challenging old assumptions about asteroids. Scientists are now using this data to rethink how these ancient celestial bodies form. 🪐

🐍 New nanobodies show promise for snakebite treatment

Globally, 80,000 to 140,000 people die from snakebites annually, with India accounting for about half of these deaths. Researchers tested five nanobodies against venom from several Indian cobra and king cobra species in the lab. In mice, the treatment saved all treated animals, even when administered 20 minutes after venom exposure. The nanobodies also showed stability at high temperatures and did not bind to human proteins. Further human trials are needed, but this suggests a more flexible antivenom future. 🐍

🗳️ Ex-BSP minister's son switches to Samajwadi Party

Mayank Dwivedi has left the BSP to join the Samajwadi Party in Lucknow. He previously contested the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Banda on a BSP ticket and finished as the runner-up. This move happens as parties gear up for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Dwivedi stated that SP's policies and Akhilesh Yadav's direction influenced his decision. He plans to campaign digitally and aims to help Yadav become chief minister. 🗳️

🐛 Collector pushes for bigger silkworm farming

Collector A. Shyam Prasad visited the government sericulture farm in Sri Sathya Sai district on Saturday. He checked on food plants for Tasar and Muga silkworms in Jammulabanda village. Officials mentioned that these food plants were developed under the Swarna Andhra -Swachh Andhra programme. Mr. Prasad instructed officials to submit a future action plan to scale up wild silkworm rearing activities. This effort is important for the economic potential of tribal and rural families in Rayalaseema.

🔥 Riyadh airport chaos after aerial threat alert 💥

Explosions and black smoke were seen near King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on September 19, 2026. This happened after Saudi authorities issued alerts about a potential hostile aerial threat in the capital. FlightRadar24 reported major problems, leading to cancellations and delays at the airport. This incident marks the first such warning since the Houthi group escalated attacks in July. The situation is ongoing amid heightened regional tensions and concerns over global trade.

😔 IIT-Bombay student death sparks major protests

Protesters gathered on the IIT-Bombay campus demanding a thorough investigation into the suicide of student Sahil Wakode. The demonstration involved students and occurred at the IIT-Bombay campus in Mumbai. This followed Wakode being found dead in his hostel room on September 18, amid reports of four suicides over the last year. Students questioned the disciplinary process and demanded better mental health support and representation. They are also calling for the Director's resignation and compensation for the deceased student's family. 😔

😔 Youth and Teen Found Dead on Rail Track Near Angamaly

A 21-year-old man and a 15-year-old girl were discovered deceased on a railway track near Angamaly. The victims were identified as Abhilash Anilkumar from Pallimon, Kollam, and a Class 10 student from Eravipuiram, Kollam. The incident was reported to Angamaly police around 2 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Both individuals had been missing since Friday, September 18, 2026, leading to separate missing person reports. Police have registered an unnatural death case and moved the bodies to Angamaly Taluk Hospital. 😔

✊ SFI claims election wins are a reply to KSU

The Students' Federation of India (SFI) stated that victories in school and college elections serve as a response to the State government and the Kerala Students’ Union (KSU). SFI State secretary P.S. Sanjeev held a press conference on Saturday to make this declaration. The organization secured massive wins despite facing opposition from the Governor, Vice-Chancellors, police, government, and jail. This outcome is seen as a protest against the state government's policies that suppress democratic student protests. SFI also announced that legal action will be taken for delayed college elections and protests against banning campus politics.

🏛️ Minister orders 15-day fix for public complaints

Minister K.S. Basavanthappa directed officials during the 'Praja Seva' campaign to resolve all grievances within 15 days. This directive was given in Harapanahalli, where the campaign was inaugurated on Saturday by the district and taluk administrations. The minister warned of strict disciplinary action for neglecting public complaints or causing unnecessary delays. Issues ranged from an electricity transformer problem to pension stops and land disputes. Officials must now ensure clear communication and timely resolution for all applicants. 😠

✝️ Tourists climb holy cross in Munnar, causing uproar

A group of four youths climbed a holy cross belonging to St. Ann’s Church near Munnar, sparking significant outrage among local church authorities. The incident took place in Pallivasal, which was recently attracting tourists due to the Neelakurinji flower bloom. Church officials lodged a formal complaint with the Munnar police after the photos went viral on social media. Vicar Vijosh Mulloor stated that the act tarnishes Christian religious symbols, demanding strict action. Police are currently investigating to identify the youths responsible for the alleged desecration. ✝️

🌾 Farmers urge govt to block Western Ghats ESA draft

Farmers and elected reps opposed the draft notification declaring Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive Areas at a meeting with CM D.K. Shivakumar in Tirthahalli. Senior Congress leader B.R. Jayanth highlighted that existing rules already cause hardship, and the ESA could force people to vacate their land. Over 2.4 lakh Forest Rights Act applications have reportedly been rejected, adding to the tension. Farmers demanded special status under Article 371 instead of a physical survey for habitations. The community wants the government to press the Centre to exclude cultivated and inhabited areas from the notification. 🌾