🏆 Paralympic star wins Celebrity MasterChef

Paralympic champion Lauren Steadman clinched the Celebrity MasterChef crown after a tense final episode. She competed against Emily Campbell and Shakira Khan on Friday, September 18, on BBC One. The contest started with 15 celebrities, culminating in a three-course meal judged by Grace Dent and Giorgio Locatelli. Her execution, especially the sticky toffee pudding, earned her the title, which she compared to a Paralympic gold medal. Steadman has a long athletic resume, including multiple Paralympic medals. 🏆

🛡️ Nupur J Sharma defends Dara Singh by blaming victims

Nupur J Sharma publicly defended Rabindra Kumar Pal, also known as Dara Singh, in a recent controversy. The statement was made by Sharma regarding the situation involving Dara Singh. Specific details regarding numbers or dates were not provided in the source material for this defense. This defense implies that the victims themselves hold some responsibility for the events in question. The situation is expected to continue as public discourse around the issue develops further.

😟 Ghaziabad Traders Reject UPI Payments

Local traders in Ghaziabad are protesting against the implementation of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions. The business owners have put up notices demanding a halt to the MDR charges. This move comes amid rising operational costs being faced by small merchants. They argue that the MDR fees are negatively impacting their daily earnings and business viability. Authorities are expected to address these concerns and mediate between the traders and payment providers soon. 😟

😟 Trump keeps $100k fee threat on H-1B visas

President Donald Trump has extended the executive order imposing a $100,000 fee for H-1B non-immigrant visas for another year. This move affects US employers who use the H-1B program to hire skilled foreign workers in the United States. The original order, first released in September 2025, was set to expire this month, though it doesn't apply to current visa renewals. Legal challenges are currently ongoing in Boston as courts review the legality of the higher fee. Despite criticism, businesses argue these visas help fill skill gaps in US industries. 😟

🤝 Modi and UAE President Chat on Strategic Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a call from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday, September 18, 2026. The leaders talked about developments in West Asia and strengthening their strategic partnership. They discussed new measures across energy, defense, technology, investment, and health sectors. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting regional peace and security. The UAE President also congratulated PM Modi on India's successful BRICS Presidency. 🤝

🏆 Asia Cup trophies heading to Mumbai despite standoff

The BCCI secretary confirmed that the Asia Cup trophies will eventually arrive in Mumbai, though no timeline was given. This follows both Indian men's and women's teams refusing to accept the silverware from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi in Dubai. The trophies are currently held at the ACC headquarters after India boycotted the presentation ceremonies last year and recently. This situation could repeat itself during the Asian Games under ACC aegis. BCCI maintained this was a firm institutional decision regarding the presentation manner. 🏏

🗳️ DUSU 2026 counting starts for four key posts

Vote counting for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) Election 2026 commenced on Saturday in the Multipurpose Hall, North Campus. A total of 20 candidates contested for the four central posts across 52 polling centres. The voter turnout reached 40.46 per cent, which is the highest in the last three years. Major contests are underway between ABVP and NSUI for the key leadership roles. The Delhi High Court has also prohibited victory processions following the results declaration. 🗳️

🌾 Plant that helped Bengal during famine

The Kochu plant played a vital role in helping Bengal survive a severe famine. This crucial plant was found across the region of Bengal. During the famine period, which spanned several years, the plant provided essential sustenance. It was a lifeline for the local population facing extreme food shortages. Scientists are now studying its properties for future food security solutions. 🌾

💰 8th Pay Commission: Salary hike predictions for govt employees

The 8th Pay Commission is nearing its final report, which will set new salary structures for central government employees and pensioners. The commission, led by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, is deliberating on a crucial 'fitment factor' to boost basic pay. Illustrative calculations show that a 2.75 factor could raise a ₹18,000 basic pay to ₹49,500. Some unions are pushing for a factor between 3.0 and 4.0 due to rising costs. The final recommendations are expected within about eight months. 📈

😠 Sikh Bus Driver Attacked, Bus Stolen in UK

An incident occurred in Telford, UK, where a Sikh bus driver was attacked, and the bus was subsequently stolen. The assailant brutally beat the driver, pulling his beard, before taking control of the vehicle on Friday evening. The reckless driver then crashed into multiple other vehicles while driving on the wrong side of the road. Eyewitnesses recorded the entire event, leading police to quickly respond and arrest a man in his 20s. Community groups have strongly condemned this hate crime and are demanding strict legal action. 😠

🛰️ SpaceX gets huge NASA contract for ISS flights

NASA awarded SpaceX a $946 million contract to fly three more astronaut missions to the International Space Station (ISS). This deal is set to extend SpaceX's crewed flights to the station through 2030 in Hawthorne, California. The agreement bumps the total value to $5.92 billion, bringing the total flights under the contract to 17. NASA heavily relies on SpaceX as it works to maintain a second US option through Boeing. The agency is also talking to Boeing about Starliner handling future missions. 🚀