Times of India

Pranati Nayak is preparing for her fourth Asian Games after a journey that began with leaving her family in West Bengal at a young age to pursue gymnastics. A Tokyo Olympian, Nayak has overcome injuries and setbacks to remain India's lone gymnast at the 2026 Games. Her story is one of sacrifice, resilience and an enduring passion for gymnastics.

The EPFO wage limit had remained unchanged between 2004 and 2014. It was raised to Rs 15,000 in September 2014. The latest decision follows the same approach of periodically updating the ceiling, with the new Rs 25,000 limit intended to account for wage growth.

After a lengthy legal struggle, international coach Bilquis Mir has received a no-objection certificate from the Jammu and Kashmir government, as directed by the Supreme Court. This crucial permission enables her to train India's kayaking and canoeing team ahead of the 2026 Asian Games. The court emphasized the importance of timely action to avoid hindering national interests, allowing Mir to embrace her coaching role for the prestigious event.

Cricketer Rinku Singh is eagerly preparing for his wedding to Priya Saroj, slated for December 2026. His six-bedroom bungalow in Aligarh tells the story of his remarkable rise from humble beginnings. The house is tastefully designed with modern interiors and boasts a private swimming pool for downtime. Adorned with cricket memorabilia, including an iconic bat, this residence marks a pivotal moment in his personal and professional life.

Oracle layoffs: Oracle's second round of job cuts this year arrived with the same termination email it sent in March. Signed "Oracle Leadership", the 6am note told employees their role was eliminated and "today is your last working day". Staff shared both versions on Reddit, Blind and X. In India, 1,000 to 1,500 mid- to senior-level employees may be affected, sources said, as Oracle's restructuring bill rises to $2.8 billion.

Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Tarapore died bravely leading his regiment in 1965. His unit destroyed sixty enemy tanks while losing only nine during intense fighting. Tarapore refused evacuation even after sustaining wounds on the battlefield. He was posthumously awarded India's highest wartime gallantry award. The Poona Horse regiment has a distinguished history of service and valor.

A woman was struck by a car and carried on its bonnet after a dispute. The driver then accelerated, hitting the woman and continuing to move forward. The incident escalated as the car was driven towards her again after she fell. The driver subsequently fled the scene, leaving the injured woman. Police are investigating the incident and examining evidence to identify the accused.

Two accused in the Gurgaon hit-and-run case were produced before a local court. They were sent to two days of police custody until September eighteenth. A video from the victim's bike camera showed her being knocked down. Police added an attempt-to-murder charge after examining the video evidence. The accused had crossed into Rajasthan after the incident occurred.

A devastating incident occurred overnight in Gaza City, where a six-storey apartment building crumbled, leaving at least ten Palestinians, including young children, dead. The aftermath has led to fears that numerous individuals may still be trapped beneath the debris. Rescue teams are actively searching for survivors and recovering bodies, amid reports that the building had been weakened by earlier Israeli attacks.

Reports of the layoffs have also surfaced on X and Reddit, where some users identifying themselves as Oracle employees in India discussed the job cuts. Some said they were given little advance notice before being informed that their positions had been eliminated.

Farmers are witnessing a renaissance in ancient hedge laying techniques, breathing new life into this traditional practice. By leveraging government grants, these farmers are restoring mature hedgerows, which not only aid in flooding prevention but also significantly enhance biodiversity. This revived method serves as a crucial ally in capturing atmospheric carbon, thereby benefiting both the environment and agriculture after being overlooked for many years.

In a groundbreaking initiative in New Orleans, discarded glass bottles are being turned into sand for coastal restoration. Known as Glass Half Full, this program has successfully redirected millions of pounds of glass from local landfills. Current research is examining the positive impact of this recycled glass sand on the growth and durability of wetland vegetation, providing a creative solution to Louisiana's ongoing coastal land loss issues.

Cancer survivor Alexander Ackles-Dold reminisces about the compassion he received during his childhood hospital stays. In a heartfelt initiative, he spearheads a LEGO donation drive for the pediatric oncology clinic in Southlake. The project has amassed hundreds of LEGO figures and raised considerable funds, striving to offer young patients an engaging escape during their treatments. The Ackles-Dold family continues to gather donations to brighten the spirits of children battling cancer.

Tyler Chambers embarked on an ambitious journey to construct his dream home in Washington. Investing nearly $300,000 into regulatory requirements and necessary studies, he was soon met with neighbor complaints that triggered additional demands. These included extensive environmental assessments and a permanent conservation deed restriction on two-thirds of his land. Undeterred by the financial and emotional strain, Chambers remains resolute in his quest to build a home.

Elton John emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the music industry, offering simple yet profound advice to new musicians. He reflects on his own early challenges with Bluesology, highlighting that overcoming struggles fosters a deeper appreciation for success. Trusting one's own abilities and staying authentic in the face of obstacles are keys to personal growth and artistic integrity.