🧬 Sperm DNA is rewriting itself way earlier than thought

Some genetic variation in human sperm appears to begin development earlier than scientists previously believed. Researchers from Wellcome Sanger Institute and the University of Cambridge found this while studying 15 sperm samples from 13 donors aged 24 to 74. They identified 7,143 crossovers and 2,382 non-crossover gene conversion events directly in the sperm DNA. This suggests a two-stage recombination model, where DNA repair activity precedes the specialized division of meiosis. Understanding this earlier activity offers new insights into how genetic diversity is generated and inherited.🔬

🤒 Dengue and flu on the rise in Chennai

Dengue and influenza viruses are currently circulating, leading to a steady rise in fever cases across Chennai hospitals. Doctors in Chennai reported these numbers align with the expected seasonal trend for September to November. While flu is mostly self-limiting, extra care is advised for pregnant women and the elderly. Dengue cases are peaking after rainfall, and parents must prevent water collection around homes. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, urging awareness of dengue warning signs. 🦟

⚖️ Centre asks court to delay creamy layer rule implementation

The Centre has requested the Supreme Court to make the implementation of the creamy layer ruling prospective rather than retrospective. This ruling, made in March, stipulated that parents' job status and category must be considered along with income for OBC reservation. The court initially directed the verdict to be effective from 2012 when the case was filed. The government argued that retrospective application would cause uncertainty in appointments and service conditions for civil servants. Therefore, the Union of India is asking for a two-year grace period to implement the necessary changes. 🏛️

🔬 CoSi's Chiral Domains See Grain-Boundary Scattering

Researchers have observed grain-boundary scattering occurring between chiral domains within the material CoSi. This study was conducted by scientists at APS Journals, focusing on the unique properties of this chiral topological semimetal. The observations detail specific scattering mechanisms present in the structure. This research deepens the understanding of topological materials and their electronic behavior. Future work will likely explore how these boundaries affect material functionality.

🗳️ BJP's big spend in West Bengal assembly polls

The BJP spent Rs 287 crore on its campaign and candidates during the April 2026 polls in West Bengal. This expenditure represented over 54% of the party's total outlay of Rs 529 crore across five assembly elections. In Bengal, the BJP defeated the ruling TMC, securing 207 out of 293 seats, while TMC managed 80 seats. Congress spent Rs 42 crore in Bengal and won two seats, alongside CPM which spent Rs 8 crore and won one seat. The BJP's central office ended the election period with a balance of Rs 7,627 crore. 💰

🔥 Iran President: US Must Choose to End War

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran does not wish to continue fighting, putting the decision to end the war on the United States. Speaking to Fox News on Thursday, he emphasized Iran's willingness to resolve differences via dialogue instead of military action. He stressed that the choice to conclude the conflict rests entirely with America. Pezeshkian also confirmed Tehran is open to negotiations if the US works within international legal frameworks. Furthermore, he denied that the Houthis take orders directly from Tehran.

🩺 NEET-PG 2026 results are out; check the cut-offs

The NBEMS officially released the NEET-PG 2026 results after 2,65,960 candidates took the exam in two phases. The qualifying cut-off for the General and EWS categories was set at 262 marks out of 720. This exam was held on August 30th for 2026-27 admissions to various PG medical courses. The percentile criteria remained the same as last year, with different marks for PwBD and SC/ST/OBC candidates. Scorecards and the answer key will be available for download from the NBEMS website starting October 1st.

🏫 School Infra Woes Cause Shutdown in Arunachal Capital

A 12-hour shutdown paralyzed Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, on September 24, 2026, due to education-related issues. The All Nyishi Students' Union (ANSU) members organized the protest in Itanagar, which includes Naharlagun town. The protest demanded renovation of 56 schools and a special needs school in Pakke Kessang district. Authorities declared the shutdown illegal under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita due to public safety concerns. The State Education Department noted several infrastructure proposals are already in advanced stages of implementation. 🏫

🏥 Ayushman Bharat hits 8 years: huge reach

Eight years after its launch, Ayushman Bharat now covers over 60 crore beneficiaries for affordable healthcare. This massive scheme, spearheaded by the government, has seen over 13 crore people avail treatment worth more than Rs 2 lakh crore across 39,000+ hospitals. The scheme provides an annual health cover of Rs 5 lakh to these beneficiaries. Furthermore, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have recorded over 500 crore visits, expanding care closer to citizens. This journey shows the government's commitment to accessible healthcare for millions.

🛠️ BEST launches campaign for smart meter bill complaints

BEST has started a special redressal campaign to handle consumer complaints about inflated bills after smart meter installation. This initiative is being rolled out across all customer care wards in Mumbai. The campaign runs on September 28 and 29 in A & E Ward, with other dates scheduled until October 9. This is a direct response to consumer queries regarding unexpected bill hikes post-modernization. BEST plans to offer on-site testing and install check-meters to verify consumption accuracy. 🛠️

🔬 Blood test spots breast cancer way earlier than scans

A personalized blood test named Pathlight detected circulating tumor DNA up to 13.8 months before metastatic breast cancer was clinically visible. This study followed 136 patients across various cancer subtypes at Lund University. Data collected over six years, including nearly 1,497 blood samples, showed early signs in some cases up to four years before visible symptoms. Persistent tumor DNA strongly predicted later recurrence and poorer survival outcomes for these patients. Researchers still need clinical trials to confirm that acting on this early blood test actually improves patient results. 🔬