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Blockbusters, Breakthroughs & Big Wins: Here’s Who Ruled the 71st National Film Awards!

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(image: Lokmat.com)

The 71st National Film Awards were announced in New Delhi, celebrating excellence in Indian cinema. Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji made history with their first National Awards. Legendary actor Mohanlal was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023 for his iconic contribution to Indian cinema.

Take A Look On Top Honours1

  • Best Actor in a Leading Role (Shared)
    • Shah Rukh KhanJawan
    • Vikrant Massey12th Fail
  • Best Actress in a Leading Role
    • Rani MukerjiMrs. Chatterjee vs Norway
  • Best Director
    • Sudipto SenThe Kerala Story
  • Best Feature Film
    • 12th Fail
  • Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment
    • Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
  • Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social & Environmental Values
    • Sam Bahadur

Writing & Screenplay

  • Best Screenplay
    • Baby (Telugu)Sai Rajesh Neelam
    • Parking (Tamil)Ramkumar Balakrishnan
  • Best Dialogue Writer
    • Deepak KingraniSirf Ek Banda Kafi Hai

Music & Singing

  • Best Female Playback Singer
    • Shilpa RaoChaleya (Jawan)
  • Best Male Playback Singer
    • PVN S RohitPremisthunna (Baby)

Technical

  • Best Cinematography
    • The Kerala Story

Best Regional Films

  • Best Hindi FilmKathal: A Jackfruit Mystery
  • Best Telugu FilmBhagavanth Kesari
  • Best Tamil FilmParking
  • Best Punjabi FilmGodday Godday Chaa
  • Best Odia FilmPushkara
  • Best Marathi FilmShyamchi Aai

Donald Trump Tells UN: ‘End the Failed Experiment of Open Borders’, Slams Global Climate and Energy Policies

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In a fiery address to the United Nations General Assembly, former U.S. President Donald Trump called for an end to what he described as the “failed experiment of open borders,” accusing the UN of enabling an “invasion” of Western nations through its immigration stance.

Trump singled out Europe, claiming the continent is in “serious trouble” due to uncontrolled migration. He also criticized European nations for their continued purchase of Russian energy, calling their inability to “cut off” supplies “embarrassing.”

In his wide-ranging and often combative speech, Trump described climate change as “the greatest con job ever,” declaring that UN climate predictions “were wrong.” According to the BBC’s Bernd Debusmann Jr., the remark was met with audible gasps across the assembly hall.

Trump also revisited one of his signature talking points, claiming to have ended “seven wars” since his return to the White House—while taking a swipe at the UN for allegedly failing to contribute meaningfully to global conflict resolution. “The UN did not even try to help,” he said.

On the Israel–Palestine conflict, Trump reiterated his opposition to recognising a Palestinian state, calling it “a reward for the terrible atrocities Hamas has committed.” He also issued a direct appeal during his speech: “Release the hostages now.”

The address marked one of the most controversial moments of this year’s UN General Assembly debate, with Trump’s remarks on climate, migration, and global diplomacy sharply dividing the chamber.

Trump Imposes $100,000 Fee on New H-1B Visa Applications

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President Donald Trump announced a $100,000 one-time fee on new H-1B visa petitions filed after September 21, 2025, targeting outsourcing firms to prioritize high-value hires while sparing existing visa holders.

The policy triggered a plunge in the Indian rupee to a record low of 88.76 against the dollar and a 2-3% drop in the Nifty IT index, erasing over $5 billion in market value for companies like Infosys and Wipro. Indian experts such as IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti see potential benefits, viewing the fee as a catalyst for domestic innovation and reduced U.S. visa reliance amid emerging global talent programs in China and elsewhere.

Meanwhile, the Indian rupee hit a record low of 88.76 against the US dollar.

US dollar bills with denominations including $100, an Indian 1 rupee coin from 1994, and Indian rupee notes with denominations including ₹500. The currency is arranged in stacks and scattered across the image.

China’s Yuan Wang 5 Enters Indian Ocean Waters

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China’s advanced spy ship Yuan Wang 5 has reappeared in the Indian Ocean region after three years. This development comes amid India’s preparations for a possible hypersonic missile test over the Bay of Bengal. New Delhi is closely monitoring the ship due to its sophisticated satellite and missile tracking capabilities. The presence of Yuan Wang 5 near India’s maritime neighbourhood has raised strategic concerns.

Recent Movements and Strategic Context

The Yuan Wang 5 was last spotted near Indonesia around 18 September 2025. India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) restricting airspace over the Bay of Bengal from 24 to 25 September. This has led to speculation about India testing a hypersonic long-range anti-ship missile during this period. The simultaneous presence of the Chinese tracking vessel nearby has heightened vigilance in New Delhi.

Capabilities of Yuan Wang 5

Yuan Wang 5 is equipped with multiple high-accuracy, long-range monopulse radar systems. These radars can acquire and track objects manually or automatically. The ship tracks satellites and missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles. It has a crew of over 400 personnel and is operated by the Strategic Support Force of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy). The vessel has been involved in over 80 missions since 2007, including tracking China’s crewed spacecraft and lunar missions.

Technical Upgrades and Operational History

In 2022, Yuan Wang 5 underwent a technical upgrade. Improvements were made to its navigation power, safety features, reliability and specialised equipment operability. The ship’s enhanced capabilities strengthen its role in space and missile tracking. In August 2022, it docked at Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka, a strategic location leased to a Chinese state-owned company. This visit had sparked security concerns in India.

Geopolitical Implications in the Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean is a critical zone for maritime security and strategic competition. China’s deployment of Yuan Wang 5 near India signals its intent to maintain surveillance and tracking capabilities in the region. India views this with caution due to dual-use technology on the ship that could support intelligence gathering. The timing of the ship’s return alongside India’s missile test preparations adds to regional strategic tensions.

India’s Response and Regional Security Measures

India’s issuance of a NOTAM restricting Bay of Bengal airspace indicates readiness for missile testing and heightened security alertness. New Delhi is actively monitoring Chinese naval movements and diplomatic channels to manage security risks. The Indian Ocean remains a theatre of strategic rivalry with increasing naval deployments and surveillance activities by regional powers.

The Bus Conductor Who Built India’s Largest Free Personal Library

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A Modest Beginning with a Grand Dream

At just 20 years old, while working as a bus conductor, Anke Gowda from Haralahalli village near Mysuru began a journey that would one day make him the custodian of nearly two million books. Born into a humble farming family in Mandya district, his childhood offered little access to books. But a professor’s encouragement and his own hunger for knowledge changed his life forever.

Lifelong Passion for Books

Over the years, Anke Gowda poured nearly 80% of his income into buying books—often by the truckload. He even sold his house in Mysuru to expand his growing collection. His passion was never for personal gain, but to make knowledge accessible to all. His three-decade-long career at a sugar factory supported his dream. Every spare rupee went into buying books—from rare foreign volumes to regional manuscripts.

The Bus Conductor Who Built India’s Largest Free Personal Library

Welcome to Pustaka Mane – The House of Books

Today, Anke Gowda’s massive personal library, lovingly called Pustaka Mane (Book House), stands as a living monument to learning. Built on 22 guntas of land with support from industrialist Sri Hari Khoday, it holds:

  • Over 500,000 rare foreign books
  • 5,000+ dictionaries
  • Manuscripts dating back to 1832
  • Books in 20+ languages, including Kannada, Sanskrit, English, and other international languages

Library Without Walls

What makes Pustaka Mane truly extraordinary is its openness:

  • No membership
  • No fees
  • No restrictions

From students and researchers to IAS aspirants and even Supreme Court judges, everyone is welcome. It’s a rare, inclusive space where knowledge is free, as it should be.

Family Mission

Anke Gowda isn’t alone in this mission. His wife, Vijayalakshmi, and son, Sagar, are his devoted companions. They live inside the library, cook in a corner, and sleep on the floor—all to protect and maintain the treasure trove of knowledge they’ve built. Together, they sort, clean, and preserve the books, even as 250+ bags of uncatalogued books await attention. The family now hopes to receive support for digitisation, to safeguard this priceless collection for future generations.

“I wanted to make knowledge accessible to everyone, no matter who they are”. (Anke Gowda)

How India Benefits from HYBE’s Launch

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(image: kanganamtimes.com)

HYBE, the global entertainment company behind BTS, has officially launched in India with its new branch HYBE India in Mumbai. This move brings several big benefits to India’s entertainment industry:

1. Opportunities for Indian Artists

HYBE will discover and train Indian talent using their world-class system. Indian singers, dancers, and performers can now get a global platform.

2. Global Exposure

Indian artists under HYBE may get the chance to perform internationally, just like K-pop stars. This could make India a key player in global pop music.

3. Boost to Local Industry

More concerts, music videos, fan events, and collaborations will increase jobs in music, events, production, and marketing fields.

4. Better Quality and Innovation

HYBE brings high standards in music, visuals, and storytelling. This will raise the level of Indian pop music and inspire local companies to improve.

5. Fusion of Cultures

HYBE aims to mix Indian styles with global music trends, creating new and exciting genres that reflect India’s unique culture.

6. Youth Empowerment

With India’s large young population, HYBE gives many young people a chance to turn their passion for music and performance into a real career.

HYBE India brings world-class music training, global reach, more jobs, and fresh opportunities for Indian talent to shine on the international stage.

524 Years in the Making: Tripura Sundari Temple’s Rebirth

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(image: The Hindu)

A Temple Steeped in History

Built over five centuries ago, the Tripora Temple is dedicated to Goddess Tripurasundari, a powerful deity in Hindu tradition. The temple has long been a center of faith, attracting devotees from across the country.

Need for Restoration

With the passage of time, the temple’s structure had weakened, and parts of it had suffered significant damage. Recognizing its cultural importance, a detailed redevelopment plan was launched to preserve the temple’s original beauty and ensure its safety for future generations.

Redevelopment Highlights

The restoration project focused on:

  • Preserving original architecture
  • Reinforcing the temple structure
  • Upgrading visitor facilities
  • Improving accessibility

Traditional artisans, historians, and conservation experts worked together to ensure authenticity while integrating modern infrastructure

Joy Among Locals and Devotees

The temple’s reopening was met with celebration across the state. Local devotees expressed deep joy and pride, calling it a moment of great cultural significance. Many believe the redevelopment will help boost religious tourism and support local livelihoods.

A New Chapter Begins

With its revival, the 524-year-old Tripora Temple now enters a new era—standing not only as a place of worship but also as a living monument of India’s timeless heritage.

The Enigmatic Black Tiger of Similipal: A National Geographic Triumph

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PC:(ABP News)

In a remarkable feat, wildlife photographer and National Geographic Explorer Prasenjit Yadav has captured a breathtaking image of the elusive black tiger of Similipal Tiger Reserve, gracing the cover of the October 2025 issue of National Geographic magazine. This rare pseudo-melanistic tiger, found only in Odisha’s Similipal National Park, is a global marvel, distinguished by its striking dark stripes caused by a unique genetic mutation. Yadav’s achievement not only showcases India’s extraordinary biodiversity but also underscores the critical need for conservation in this fragile ecosystem.

The Black Tiger: A Genetic Marvel

The black tigers of Similipal, known as pseudo-melanistic tigers, owe their distinctive appearance to a rare genetic mutation that causes their black stripes to be thicker and more fused, giving them an almost entirely black appearance. Of the approximately 30 tigers in the 2,750-square-kilometer Similipal Tiger Reserve, over half exhibit this extraordinary trait, making the reserve the only place in the world where these tigers roam in the wild. This genetic uniqueness, while a testament to the rebounding tiger population, also highlights the challenges of limited genetic diversity within an isolated reserve, as noted by National Geographic editor-in-chief Nathan Lump.

Prasenjit Yadav’s Journey of Patience

Capturing the image of the black tiger, identified as T12, was no small task. Yadav spent 120 days in the dense forests of Similipal, navigating the challenges of photographing these shy and elusive creatures that instinctively avoid human presence. “Photographing T12 was intense and humbling, with days and months of patience distilled into a single moment,” Yadav shared in a statement to National Geographic. His dedication and perseverance have brought global attention to India’s wild heart, showcasing the tireless efforts of the Odisha Forest Department in protecting these majestic animals.

Conservation in Focus

The global spotlight on Similipal’s black tigers has sparked renewed interest in conservation. The Odisha government has announced plans to establish the world’s first melanistic tiger safari near Similipal, offering a unique opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to witness these rare creatures. This initiative is expected to boost wildlife tourism while emphasizing the importance of preserving Similipal’s delicate ecosystem. As Nathan Lump noted, Yadav’s photograph illustrates the “complex realities of conservation,” highlighting both the successes and challenges of protecting an isolated population.

A Legacy for India’s Wildlife

Yadav’s image is more than a stunning photograph; it is a powerful reminder of the need to safeguard India’s rich biodiversity. By bringing the black tiger to the world stage, he has elevated the global profile of Similipal and its unique inhabitants. This milestone not only celebrates the beauty of India’s wildlife but also serves as a call to action to protect the fragile ecosystems that harbor such extraordinary species. As the world marvels at the black tiger, Similipal stands as a testament to the power of conservation and the enduring allure of the wild.

Reviving India’s Fields: How Two Friends Are Transforming Farming with Sustainable Practices

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PC:(The batter india)

In the heart of India’s agricultural landscape, farmers like Hemraj from Yenikoni village faced a relentless struggle. Each harvest season brought anxiety as the costs of chemical fertilizers and pesticides soared, while crop yields often fell short. Water scarcity compounded the challenges, making farming feel like a high-stakes gamble. But thanks to Amol Mishra and Hemant Rajput, founders of Beetle Regen Solutions, this narrative is changing. Through regenerative farming techniques, they are helping over 70,000 farmers across India reduce costs, ditch harmful chemicals, and grow healthier crops, restoring both the land and the dignity of farming.

Breaking the Cycle of Chemical Dependency

For generations, farmers like Hemraj relied heavily on chemical inputs to sustain their crops, such as cotton, fruits, and vegetables. However, these methods drained their finances and degraded the soil, leading to diminishing returns. Beetle Regen Solutions, led by Mishra and Rajput, introduces a sustainable alternative through regenerative farming. Practices like reduced tillage, cover cropping, and the use of homemade organic inputs, such as composts, are at the core of their approach. These methods not only revitalize soil health but also significantly cut down the need for expensive chemical fertilizers and pesticides, as highlighted by The Better India.

Key Practices and Their Impact

Reduced Costs: By training farmers to create organic inputs at home, Beetle Regen eliminates the financial burden of purchasing costly chemicals. This approach empowers farmers to achieve self-sufficiency while lowering their operational expenses.

Improved Soil Health: Techniques like reduced tillage and cover cropping restore soil fertility and resilience. Healthier soil retains water better, addressing challenges like water scarcity that farmers like Hemraj face.

Enhanced Yields and Quality: Regenerative practices lead to healthier crops, higher yields, and better-quality produce. For instance, cotton farmers under Beetle Regen’s model are adopting High Density Planting Systems, which boost productivity while further reducing costs.

Sustainable Future: These eco-friendly methods ensure long-term soil vitality, making farming not only viable but also profitable for future generations.

Empowering Communities Through Education

Mishra and Rajput are not just teaching techniques—they are fostering a movement. Through field workshops, they educate farmers on the practical application of regenerative farming. A cornerstone of their mission is empowering women, who play a vital role in Indian agriculture. By training women in these sustainable practices, Beetle Regen ensures that entire communities embrace eco-friendly farming, amplifying the impact of their work. These workshops create a ripple effect, spreading awareness and encouraging widespread adoption of sustainable methods.

A Farmer’s Transformation: Hemraj’s Story

Hemraj’s journey mirrors that of many farmers who felt trapped in a cycle of financial stress and declining yields. Initially skeptical about regenerative farming, he was hesitant to adopt unfamiliar methods like reduced tillage and cover cropping. However, with patient guidance from Beetle Regen’s team, Hemraj decided to take a chance. The results were transformative: his costs dropped, his soil became healthier, and his crop yields improved. For the first time in years, farming felt like a source of pride rather than a gamble. “The land that had sustained my family for generations now feels like it can secure our future,” he says.

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Revolution

Amol Mishra and Hemant Rajput are redefining Indian agriculture by bringing hope and sustainability to the fields. Through Beetle Regen Solutions, they are proving that farming can be both environmentally and economically rewarding. By empowering farmers—especially women—and promoting practices that restore the land, they are sowing the seeds for a greener, more prosperous future. As more farmers like Hemraj embrace regenerative farming, the vision of a sustainable agricultural revolution in India grows closer to reality.

From Goa to Georgia: Airbnb Reveals Most Searched Beach Destinations by Indians

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● Goa tops the domestic charts with a nearly 50% surge in searches, followed by Puri and Puducherry.

● Capri leads international searches, followed by rising interest in Naples, Langkawi, Colombo, and Batumi.

Indian travellers are setting their sights on sun, sand, and sea in 2025, with coastal escapes topping their travel wishlists. From the golden sands of Goa to the azure waters of Langkawi and the dramatic coastlines of Capri, Airbnb’s data shows that both domestic and international beach destinations are seeing a significant surge in interest from Indian guests.

From Goa to Georgia: Airbnb Reveals Most Searched Beach Destinations by Indians

On the domestic front, Goa continues to dominate recording nearly a 50% increase in searches

1 . Travellers are engaging with destinations in a new way- seeking hidden gems, quiet coastal villages, artisanal experiences, and offbeat food trails beyond its classic beaches. Earlier this year, Airbnb also launched a ‘Goa Unseen’ digital guidebook in collaboration with the Goa Tourism Department, spotlighting the lesser-known side of the state. The guide takes travellers beyond the obvious, uncovering Goa’s very soul through its hidden cultural treasures and heritage gems. From the buzzing surf schools and cafés of North Goa to the laid-back charm of South Goa’s tucked-away shores, there is a renewed interest in slow, experiential journeys.

Other Indian beach towns are also seeing a rise in popularity. Puri in Odisha, known for its spiritual heritage and vibrant beach life, recorded an over 40% increase in searches.

Puducherry, with its unique blend of coastal beauty and French colonial influence, has seen an almost 35% jump in searches. Internationally, Italy has emerged as a clear favourite among Indian travellers, with destinations like Capri, Palermo, Naples, and Venice drawing strong interest. Meanwhile, Southeast Asian destinations like Langkawi in Malaysia and Colombo in Sri Lanka are seeing increased traction due to their tropical appeal and proximity. Batumi in Georgia has also entered the spotlight, attracting attention for its subtropical beaches, lively nightlife, and striking architecture.

2 Amanpreet Singh Bajaj, Airbnb’s Country Head for India & Southeast Asia, commented, “Indian travellers are reshaping what a beach holiday means. It’s no longer just about sun and sand, it’s about discovering local stories, engaging with communities, and finding places that feel personal and inspiring. From the quiet corners of Goa to the coastal charm of Capri or Batumi, we’re seeing a deeper, more conscious kind of travel emerge. At Airbnb, we’re proud to support this shift – enabling meaningful stays that connect people not just to places, but to a sense of belonging wherever they go.”

As demand for beach travel continues to rise, Airbnb remains committed to supporting community-led tourism that connects travellers with authentic local experiences while helping local economies thrive.

About Airbnb

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 5 million hosts who have welcomed over 2 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays, experiences, and services that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.