🌱 UP bets on better sugarcane for farmer gains

The Uttar Pradesh government announced a focus on improving sugarcane productivity instead of expanding farmland. This initiative targets high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties, better seeds, and scientific farming methods. As of September 25, 2026, efforts aim to overcome red-rot pressure and boost sucrose content. Mechanization and tech like AI are being used to lower costs and increase profitability for farmers. The department is now leveraging data-driven decisions for a more transparent agricultural ecosystem. 🚜

🐦 55-million-year-old fossil shows trogon's original feet

A newly described Early Eocene trogon species, Daniatrogon kochi, showed feet that did not have the permanently reversed second toe found in modern birds. This fossil was found in Denmark during the Early Eocene epoch, around 55 million years ago. The species' discovery helps overturn assumptions about the origin of the trogon's unique foot structure. Dr. Gerald Mayr proposes early trogons were more active in branches, needing a strong grasping foot for foraging. This suggests the foot evolved before the beak changed, indicating ecological variation in early forms. 🐦

🚦 Odisha mandates pedestrian paths on roads

The Mohan Majhi government has introduced draft Odisha Pedestrian Safety Rules, 2026, making pedestrian paths mandatory for road upgrades across the state. These rules mandate continuous footpaths on urban and major roads, prioritizing high-risk zones like school areas and markets. If faulty design causes harm, action will be taken against the responsible agency, contractor, or consultant. Motor vehicles are strictly prohibited from obstructing these designated pedestrian zones under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Implementing agencies must conduct audits to ensure compliance with these new safety standards. 🚶

✈️ Plane Crash Kills 14 in Congo, Generals Among Dead

Fourteen people were killed after a plane crashed in Congo while traveling from Kikwit back to Kinshasa. The deceased included two senior military officials, Lieutenant General Mutombo Katalayi Tiende and Lieutenant General Bakumi Likulia. The accident occurred on a date unspecified, involving a delegation that also included crew members. This incident takes place amid an ongoing security crisis where the military fights armed groups like the M23. An official investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the technical fault and crash. ✈️

✊ Raj Thackeray wants SIR process scrapped

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray called for the scrapping of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. He made this demand on Friday, September 25, 2026, stating it is a new weapon used by the Bharatiya Janata Party. This call follows the opposition’s push to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and scrap SIR entirely. Thackeray echoed his cousin Uddhav Thackeray's demand for re-elections in some states. MNS insists on cancelling SIR and starting the process anew.

🥈 Barwal bags silver, ending 44-year wait

Sawan Barwal secured a silver medal in the men's marathon at the Asian Games 2026. This feat took place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, where Barwal clocked a personal-best time of 2:11:37. This medal marks India's first in the marathon since 1982, completing a 44-year wait for the sport. Meanwhile, Tejaswin Shankar is currently second in the decathlon after two events. Several other Indian athletes are competing across various sports on Day 7.

🚨 MPSC Drug Inspector paper leak: 11 arrested now

Four more people, two candidates and two alleged middlemen, were arrested on September 24, 2026. These arrests happened across Sangli, Buldhana, and Navi Mumbai. The total number of arrests in this case has now risen to 11 as of September 25, 2026. The investigation concerns the alleged unauthorized circulation of the MPSC Drug Inspector recruitment exam paper for money. This entire incident compromised the fairness of the examination for the 154 Group-B posts. 🧐

🥈 Asian Games 2026: Barwal wins silver, Sen fights back

Sawan Barwal secured a silver medal in the marathon at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. He became the fourth Indian man to medal in this event, achieving this on Saturday. Barwal finished behind Japan’s Ichitaka Yamashita, with the event taking place on Day 8. Meanwhile, Lakshya Sen is fighting back in the badminton decider after an initial loss. Indian shooters, including Ashi Chouksey and Tilottama Sen, are also competing in the women's 50m rifle 3P qualification.

😔 Russian drone strikes hit McDonald's-linked warehouse in Kyiv

A warehouse linked to McDonald's logistics partner was struck by Russian drones in Kyiv on Friday. The facility, located in the Brovary district, was reportedly attacked twice around 3 am and later in the day. Authorities confirmed five people were killed and 27 injured across the capital during the attacks. President Zelensky stated this targets civilian infrastructure and international businesses supporting daily life. Ukraine is calling for international sanctions to impose consequences on Moscow. 😔

🏆 BJP sweeps three major city mayoral races in Rajasthan

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party secured victories in the mayoral elections across three major municipal corporations in Rajasthan. Sunil Kothari was elected Mayor of Jaipur, while Prasanna Chand Mehta won in Jodhpur and Anusuiya Goswami in Kota. The elections took place on Friday, September 26, 2026, with Jaipur seeing Kothari win by 29 votes. The polls were conducted by elected councillors following necessary repollings due to technical issues earlier this month. BJP candidates also clinched the chairperson post in Suket municipality by a single vote.

👻 Silent Hill gets a spooky Scottish glow-up

The iconic Silent Hill franchise has landed in the UK with Silent Hill: Townfall, set on a fictional Scottish island. The game, developed by Screen Burn, was released on Thursday and features the character Simon Ordell arriving on St Amelia in 1996. The setting draws inspiration from St Monans in Fife, aiming for an authentic 90s working-class feel. The horror explores themes of trauma and guilt, utilizing retro tech like CRT monitors to build suspense. Players face gnarled monsters while navigating the island's eerie atmosphere. 👻