🛡️ Self-healing hydrogel offers next-gen impact protection

Researchers engineered a biodegradable, self-healing hydrogel from agarose using biopolymer and supramolecular assembly. Dineshkumar Bharathidasan and Chandan Maity developed this material at Vellore Institute of Technology, India. The hydrogel can support 100 g on a 3 cm strip and withstand 5.4 kg compressive loads. This adaptive network dissipates energy, protecting items like eggs from impacts effectively. This material offers a sustainable route for packaging and robotics applications. 🛡️

🏙️ Hyderabad's wild glow-up: from old vibes to tech hub 🚀

Hyderabad has drastically transformed from its earlier, laid-back atmosphere to a modern tech powerhouse. Originally, the city had distinct boundaries like 'androon' and 'bairoon' and simpler travel arrangements. In 1975, the city was much smaller, with a quick commute to Begumpet, which has since become a major hub. The IT revolution kicked off in 1976, leading to massive growth since the 1991 Software Technology Parks scheme. Exports from STPI-registered units surged from ₹4.76 crore in 1992-93 to ₹1,45,002.76 crore in FY 2024-25.

🏙️ How Hyderabad is growing beyond its old limits 🏙️

Hyderabad has seen a massive expansion beyond its original compact core over the decades. The city's growth is evident in the new residential and employment hubs emerging in the west, south, and north. A major turning point was the inauguration of HITEC City in Madhapur in 1998, which fueled western corridor development. Infrastructure like the 158-km ORR and Metro rail have made travel easier but also stretched distances. Administratively, the GHMC merged 12 municipalities in 2007, expanding the area from 175 sq. km to roughly 650 sq. km.

🕉️ Hyderabad's two landmarks through 5 decades

The Sri Venkateshwara Temple, or Birla Mandir, has watched Hyderabad change for almost five decades alongside The Hindu newspaper. The temple opened on Kala Pahad in February 1976, while The Hindu set up shop six months later in September. Today, the landmark receives 5,000 to 6,000 devotees daily on weekdays, often exceeding 10,000 on weekends. It witnessed major city shifts, from the end of the Emergency to the creation of Telangana. The temple remains a welcoming spot for all faiths, maintaining its historical presence over the evolving city.

🏭 Hyderabad's glow-up: industrial reinvention story

Hyderabad has continuously reinvented its industrial DNA, evolving from old factories to modern AI and spacetech hubs. This transformation began with PSUs like BHEL and HAL in the early years, laying a strong foundation for growth. The 1990s liberalization then spurred the pharmaceutical boom, turning it into a global manufacturing hub. Now, the city is recognized as India's Life Sciences capital, with 40% of the country's pharma output. Initiatives like TG-iPASS continue to support its rapid scaling and technological ascent. 🚀

📰 The backbone of The Hindu's regional reach

The dedicated district correspondents were crucial to the Hyderabad edition of The Hindu's Golden Jubilee. They served as the eyes and ears across united Andhra Pradesh, beginning with pioneers like Mahesh Vijapurkar and Dasu Keshava Rao. The newspaper expanded its network across almost every district by the early 2000s, bringing rural concerns to the mainstream. Technology later revolutionized their work, allowing instant digital filing from remote locations. These journalists documented social change and reported on conflict-prone areas during major state movements.

🔬 Tiny spaces unlock water's ice state secret

Scientists discovered that soft nanoscale confinement stops ice formation in water. This research was conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge. The study revealed specific changes around temperatures like 273.15 Kelvin. This finding sheds light on the complex liquid-to-glass transition of water molecules. Future experiments aim to further map out this unique phase change in water.

😠 Delhi Police dismisses journalist's concerns over hijab

Delhi police allegedly laughed at a woman who was wearing a hijab while raising concerns. The woman specifically asked the officers about the brutality faced by journalist Shaheen and Nafisa. This incident reportedly occurred in Delhi around 4 PM on an unspecified date. The woman's plea regarding the journalists' treatment was seemingly ignored by the police staff. Authorities are expected to face scrutiny over their response to the complaint.

🕉️ Kanpur fair aims to boost spiritual and cultural awareness

A fair is being organized to educate and sensitize communities regarding spiritual and Sanatan culture. This event will take place in Kanpur, showcasing charitable works by Sanatani Hindu spiritual organizations. The fair is scheduled from November 26 to November 30, 2026. Themes include preserving forests, promoting patriotism, and respecting parents, teachers, and women. This initiative aims to correct unfair perceptions and build a proper image of India as a global power. 🌍

🇺🇸 Trump names Adam Telle as acting Army secretary

Donald Trump announced Thursday that Adam Telle has been appointed as the acting US Army secretary. Telle, currently the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, takes the role effective immediately. This follows Dan Driscoll stepping down after reportedly disagreeing with Pentagon leadership. Telle was sworn in as assistant secretary in August 2025 after Senate confirmation. His appointment marks another senior departure from the US military under Trump.

🔬 Mosquito defense mechanism targets viral DNA

The piRNA pathway was found to mediate transcriptional silencing of LTR retrotransposons in Aedes mosquitoes. This process was observed in both the ovaries and somatic tissues of the mosquitoes. The study details these mechanisms with specific genetic observations. This defense mechanism is crucial for maintaining genomic integrity against parasitic DNA elements. Future research will explore how this pathway can be leveraged against mosquito-borne diseases.🔬