Times of India

Kianoosh Nawai, an eighth-grader from West Virginia Virtual Academy, has been selected as the state’s only finalist in the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge. He designed and built a low-cost 3D-printed prosthetic hand, testing its grip strength and finger movement. His project was selected from nearly 2,000 entrants and will compete against 29 other finalists in Washington, DC.

India's defence manufacturing sector has transformed over the past decade, moving from heavy import dependence toward genuine domestic capability. Production hit a record Rs 1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26, more than double 2020-21 levels, against a Rs 3 lakh crore target by 2029, backed by a defence budget that has tripled since 2013-14. Exports are the standout metric, up 56-fold to a record Rs 38,424 crore, reaching 80+ countries, with private industry now contributing 45.16% of exports and a record 24% of production, a major structural shift from PSU dominance.

In a heartbreaking event, Dr K Jagadeesh Babu, a leading neurosurgeon from Khammam, died when his car collided with a road divider and caught fire on NH-365BB. The incident, occurring near Pillalamarri in Suryapet district early Sunday, raises concerns as police attribute the crash to possible drowsiness, resulting in this devastating loss for the medical community and his loved ones.

Defending champions India began their Asian Games men's hockey campaign in emphatic fashion, thrashing Indonesia 13-1 in their opening Pool A match. Dilpreet Singh led the rout with four goals, while Shilanand Lakra and Sukhjeet Singh scored twice each. India will next face Sri Lanka on Tuesday as they begin their title defence.

In a concerted effort to tackle air pollution, the Delhi government is enhancing its oversight of environmental quality. District officials will create maps highlighting pollution hotspots and will identify nearby contributors to the problem. Agencies are tasked with implementing strategies and timelines for effective pollution management, with a deadline for finishing pending road and civil works set for October thirty-first.

Shafali Verma’s historic 100 off 49 balls powered India Women to 195/4 before their bowlers bundled Bangladesh out for 81 in 15.4 overs, sealing a 114-run win in the Asian Games 2026 semi-final. India booked a place in the gold-medal match against Sri Lanka, while Shafali became the first player to score a century in women’s Asian Games cricket.

In a provocative move, North Korea fired a ballistic missile from its eastern shores into the sea, escalating already heightened military tensions. This launch coincides with recent missile and drone drills conducted by Pyongyang. The situation has deteriorated following joint military exercises between South Korea, the US, and Japan, prompting North Korea to signal potential countermeasures against these perceived threats.

"Indians and their gold - that is a puzzle we have to find a way to solve," he said. Kotak suggested that a committee could be considered to work out a solution that takes into account people's requirements while also addressing the country's capital and current account challenges.

A quarrel among four men in Sector 89 escalated when one allegedly rammed his Thar into a Rapido cab carrying two of them, hitting it repeatedly. The three people inside the cab escaped unhurt, while police are tracing the men and verifying whether the Thar driver was intoxicated.

Indian MMA fighter Varun Sanyal withdrew from the Asian Games after a medical issue. He experienced dizziness and muscle cramps during a weight cut sauna session. Sanyal, a medal prospect, was declared medically unfit for the competition. His teammate Suchika Tariyal advanced in her event, securing a medal. MMA's debut at the Asian Games faces challenges for Indian athletes.

During Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, Indian and US Army personnel showcased the impressive capabilities of the M777 howitzer. Gun crews highlighted its firepower and coordinated operations, while US troops shared valuable insights with Indian battery teams. This live demonstration, paired with a comprehensive lecture on tactical deployment, aims to boost interoperability and enhance military readiness in challenging mountainous environments.

In a devastating early morning crash, a speeding BMW plunged off Mumbai's Coastal Road bridge. This unfortunate event occurred at a construction site, resulting from the driver's loss of control. Three lives were claimed in the accident, with Shanay Gajjal and Dhirya Seth identified among the deceased; the third passenger’s identity remains unknown. Meanwhile, one individual is critically injured, leading authorities to start a thorough investigation into the circumstances.

China has recorded the highest mathematics score among 91 countries and economies in the latest global student assessment, with 612 points. Singapore, Macao and Chinese Taipei follow in the top four. The United States ranks 27th with 463 points, while Canada stands 11th. East Asian education systems dominate the rankings.

Seeking justice, the father of a deceased IIT-Bombay student alleges that systemic torture and caste discrimination were catalysts for his son's suicide. In turn, authorities have opened an abetment of suicide case, applying the SC/ST Act, naming a senior professor and others in the complaint. The institution, however, denies these allegations, claiming full support for the ongoing inquiry.

Elavenil Valarivan narrowly missed gold in the women’s 10m air rifle final at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, settling for silver with 252.4 points. Japan’s Taichi Hinata won gold with 253.0, while South Korea’s Ban Hyojin took bronze. Elavenil had earlier helped India win team silver, adding a second medal to the country’s shooting haul.