💰 TN government sets ₹10k interim pension for some retirees

The Tamil Nadu government has set an interim monthly payout of ₹10,000 for eligible retired government employees. This applies to those with over 10 but less than 18 years of service under the TAPS regime in Tamil Nadu. This decision was made to prevent higher payouts from causing future recoveries for those with shorter service. For those with 18 years or more, the payout remains 30% of last drawn pay or ₹10,000, whichever is higher. The actual admissible payout will be calculated later once TAPS net qualifying service rules are notified.

🌍 IGNOU July 2026 admission for international students open

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has launched its online admission portal for overseas students for the July 2026 cycle. This registration is open for SAARC, Non-SAARC, FSRI, and NRI students globally. The final application submission date is set for September 30, 2026, excluding certificate and semester-based courses. Applicants must prepare scanned copies of documents like passport and educational qualifications beforehand. Candidates should apply via ignouforeigniop.samarth.edu.in and complete the fee payment process. 📚

😥 Gold mine collapses in Sudan, 60+ killed

A gold mine collapsed near Al-Nuhud town in Sudan's West Kordofan on Sunday, resulting in at least 60 worker deaths. The tragedy occurred at the Al-Zaraa mine, where shafts collapsed due to a lack of safety procedures and rescue equipment. Locals reported that people have been trapped underground since the previous day, making rescue operations very difficult. The area is controlled by the RSF, a paramilitary force linked to genocide accusations in Darfur. This incident highlights the dangers of artisanal mining, which funds the conflict in Sudan. 😥

🧠 Ex-Googler Jeff Dean reveals Gemini's design logic

Jeff Dean detailed the foundational design choices behind the Gemini AI model. The model originated from realizing multiple teams were working on similar goals within Google Research. Initially, Gemini was multimodal from the start, covering audio, images, and text, with development milestones around specific research projects. Surprisingly, improving its coding abilities led to a major breakthrough in the model's reasoning capability. This shows how focusing on one skill, like coding, can boost performance in other complex tasks. 🤖

✨ Calvin Klein's East Hampton Estate Jumps to $165M

The former Calvin Klein estate, originally sold for $85 million in 2021, is now listed for $165 million. The sprawling 8.22-acre oceanfront compound is located in East Hampton and boasts a rich pedigree. Its previous transaction occurred in 2021, following significant renovations by renowned architect Thierry Despont. The property combines historic 1890s architecture with modern smart-home technology. This listing is highly watched due to its ocean frontage and potential for further development. 💰

🐠 Lost fish found after 40 years in PNG river

A tiny spinach pipefish, last seen in 1985, was rediscovered in Papua New Guinea's Sepik River. Indigenous fisherwoman Helen Asu caught two of the elusive species in June 2026 using a traditional hand net. This find concluded a two-week research expedition and ended a decades-long mystery for scientists. The discovery highlights the crucial role of local ecological knowledge in wildlife conservation. Researchers will now use this data to better study the fish's habitat. 🐠

🐞 Cyborg roaches built to find survivors in disaster zones 🐞

Scientists have developed 'Paraborg,' cyborg cockroaches designed for disaster rescue missions. This innovation comes from a research team at the University of Queensland and the University of New South Wales. The team tested the roaches on simulated targets, showing a 95% success rate for close-range injections. These insects can be remotely controlled to search for victims and administer first aid. Researchers hope to deploy these insect rescue teams at actual disaster sites within five to 10 years. 🛠️

📚 NTA seeks experts for national exams

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has invited expressions of interest from experienced educators, researchers, and academicians. This call is for empanelment as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across various disciplines. Candidates can apply until October 9th through the official NTA website, nta.ac.in. The NTA needs experts for authoring questions, reviewing test items, and handling translations across 13 Indian languages. This move aims to maintain pedagogical excellence and rigorous assessment standards in national examinations. 📚

🇮🇳 India lists Shahzad Bhatti Network as terrorist group

The Ministry of Home Affairs has officially declared the Shahzad Bhatti Network a terrorist organization under the UAPA. This action comes amid allegations of ISI-backed recruitment and attacks across various Indian states. The network is reportedly a Pakistan-based terror-gangster ecosystem, with Shahzad Bhatti as its key figure. Security agencies link him to Tehreek-e-Taliban Hindustan (TTH), allegedly at ISI's direction. The group is also accused of using social media to recruit young Indians and carry out targeted killings. 🇮🇳

⚖️ Delhi HC reserves order on Ajeet Bharti's bail plea

The Delhi High Court has reserved its decision on the anticipatory bail plea filed by YouTuber Ajeet Bharti. The case involves the SC/ST Act, 1989, against Bharti regarding his comments on MP Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan in Delhi. The FIR was registered on August 23, and the court found the words used by Bharti to be offensive. The judge cautioned Bharti about being circumspect when expressing opinions publicly. The court will decide based on whether a prima facie case exists in this matter. 🧐

🏛️ Activist asks for Ram Temple CEO selection records

Social activist Amitabh Thakur, a former IPS officer, demanded transparency regarding the CEO selection for the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. He requested the Trust to upload key records, including interview attendance and evaluation details, onto its official website. This demand followed a Trust statement on September 14, which claimed all selection stages were documented. Thakur specifically asked for the final 16 candidates list and the Search Committee's report dated September 1. He also requested that all original selection process records be preserved.