For a long time, using a phone for sports betting simply meant opening a browser, finding the site and carrying on from there. That still works, but mobile habits have changed. People now expect faster access, familiar layouts and fewer steps between checking a score and placing a sports bet, which is one reason betting apps have become such a normal part of the wider entertainment and lifestyle mix.
The appeal is not only speed. A dedicated app can make repeat visits feel less clumsy, especially on a busy sports day when someone may check football in the afternoon, basketball later on and another event in between. For users who prefer that kind of setup, the Betway app gives Betway’s users a direct route back into the same platform without reopening browser tabs each time.
Sports markets, account features and live information stay in one familiar place, which suits the way mobile sports betting is often used in short bursts throughout the day.
Apps fit the way people follow sports now
Sports fans rarely use a phone for one thing at a time. A live match may be on television while scores, stats, messages and betting are all being checked on the same screen. That has made betting apps part of a broader lifestyle shift, where sport and entertainment move around with the user instead of being tied to one place.
Mobile sports betting fits that pattern well. Placing a sports bet might take only a minute, but people often come back several times as the match changes. Tech helps keep those updates fast, but the main benefit is simply having fewer small barriers in the way.
Different sports create different app habits
Football usually gives users more time to browse markets and watch how a match develops. Basketball moves much faster, while tennis can swing on a single service game. Cricket has its own pace again.
That matters because betting apps have to work across different sports without making everything feel identical. One person may want live football markets, another may be checking tennis between points, and someone else may be following cricket for several hours.
Betway is one example of a platform built around that variety, with mobile sports betting covering different sports from the same app environment. The tech behind it has to keep up, but the layout matters just as much.
The browser still has a role
A mobile browser is useful for quick access, especially for someone who does not use a platform often. There is nothing to install, and it is easy to move between different websites.
The difference shows up with repeat use. Betting apps can feel more natural once the same service becomes part of a regular sports routine. Instead of starting over each time, the user returns to something familiar.
That is where mobile sports betting has started to overlap more with entertainment and lifestyle apps in general. People are not choosing apps because browsers stopped working. They are choosing them because convenience matters more when the same platform is opened again and again.
The tech is better now, but that is only part of why apps took off. They also suit the way people already follow sport on a phone, jumping between scores, clips, messages and betting without giving much thought to where one thing ends and the next begins.
From the fields where it is cultivated to the clothes we wear every day, cotton has a place in both the global economy and everyday life. World Cotton Day, observed on October 7, highlights the importance of cotton and the millions of people whose livelihoods are connected to its production, processing and trade.
Cotton is one of the world’s most widely used natural fibres. Its importance, however, goes far beyond clothing. The crop supports farmers, workers, traders, manufacturers and entire textile industries across different countries.
The United Nations officially recognised the importance of cotton through World Cotton Day, with the first official observance held on October 7, 2019. The initiative was promoted by the World Trade Organization in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the International Trade Centre and the International Cotton Advisory Committee.
For India, cotton has a particularly significant place in history and culture. India is one of the world’s major cotton-producing countries and has a textile tradition that stretches back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows that cotton was being cultivated and used in the Indian subcontinent in ancient times. Over centuries, cotton became closely connected with India’s weaving traditions, from handloom fabrics to regional textiles and intricate crafts.
Cotton also carries an important place in India’s modern history. Mahatma Gandhi’s promotion of khadi and the spinning wheel turned hand-spun cotton into a symbol of self-reliance and resistance during the freedom movement. Even today, khadi remains closely associated with India’s heritage of handloom and indigenous textile production.
Across the country, cotton takes different forms through regional craftsmanship. From handwoven khadi and Bengal’s traditional textiles to Rajasthan’s block-printed cotton fabrics and Gujarat’s distinctive weaving traditions, the fibre has become an important part of India’s diverse textile culture.
Behind these fabrics, however, is the work of farmers. Cotton cultivation is dependent on factors such as rainfall, soil conditions, irrigation, pest management and market prices. Farmers can also face challenges arising from unpredictable weather, rising input costs and fluctuations in demand. Supporting sustainable and economically viable cotton production is therefore important not only for the textile industry but also for rural livelihoods.
Environmental sustainability has become another major part of the global cotton conversation. Conventional cotton cultivation can require significant quantities of water and agricultural inputs, depending on the region and farming practices. Organic cotton, efficient irrigation, responsible pest management and improved farming techniques are among the approaches being explored to reduce environmental pressures.
The discussion also extends to the fashion industry. As consumers become more conscious of how their clothes are produced, questions about sourcing, water use, working conditions, textile waste and the lifespan of garments are increasingly influencing the conversation around cotton.
Yet cotton’s relevance extends beyond fashion. It is used in household textiles, medical products, personal care items and several industrial applications. Its versatility has allowed it to remain an important natural fibre even as synthetic alternatives have expanded.
World Cotton Day is therefore an opportunity to look beyond the finished fabric. A cotton shirt represents a long chain involving cultivation, harvesting, processing, spinning, weaving, dyeing, manufacturing and retail. Each stage connects different people, skills and economies.
As the world looks towards more sustainable production and consumption, the future of cotton will depend on balancing the needs of farmers, industries, consumers and the environment.
On World Cotton Day, the humble fibre offers a reminder of how closely agriculture, craftsmanship, culture and commerce are connected. From a cotton field to a piece of fabric, its journey carries not only economic value but also generations of knowledge, labour and tradition.
Every year, October 6 is observed as World Cerebral Palsy Day, bringing attention to one of the most common lifelong physical disabilities affecting movement and posture. The day aims to raise awareness about cerebral palsy, challenge misconceptions and advocate for a world where people with cerebral palsy have equal opportunities to learn, work, participate and live independently.
Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological conditions caused by abnormal development of, or damage to, the developing brain. It primarily affects movement, balance and posture. The condition can develop before birth, during birth or in early childhood. Its impact varies significantly from one person to another. Some people may have relatively mild movement difficulties, while others may require mobility aids or support with everyday activities.
Importantly, cerebral palsy is not contagious and does not become progressively worse because of the underlying brain injury. However, the physical effects and associated challenges can change over a person’s lifetime.
The theme of awareness is particularly important because cerebral palsy is often understood only through its physical symptoms. In reality, people with cerebral palsy can have a wide range of abilities, interests, ambitions and talents. Some may also experience associated conditions involving communication, vision, hearing, learning or epilepsy, while others may not experience these challenges. World Cerebral Palsy Day therefore goes beyond medical awareness. It is also about inclusion and equal participation.
For many people with disabilities, the greatest barriers are not necessarily their medical conditions but the physical and social environments around them. Inaccessible buildings, uneven pavements, inadequate public transport, limited access to assistive technology and a lack of inclusive educational or employment opportunities can restrict participation.
Accessibility can make a significant difference. Ramps, elevators, accessible toilets, appropriate classroom facilities, mobility aids and inclusive digital platforms can help people participate more independently. Equally important is the attitude of society.
Children with cerebral palsy should have opportunities to learn alongside their peers wherever appropriate, rather than being defined by their disability. Adults should have access to education, employment and public life without assumptions about what they can or cannot achieve.
Early intervention and appropriate support can also play an important role. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, assistive devices and other forms of rehabilitation may help individuals develop skills and manage challenges. Access to such services, however, can vary considerably depending on geography, income and awareness.
In India, improving accessibility remains an important part of creating more inclusive communities. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 provides a legal framework for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities, including access to education, employment, public infrastructure and other services. Turning these rights into everyday reality requires continued awareness, implementation and community participation.
World Cerebral Palsy Day also offers an opportunity to reconsider the language we use. A person should not be reduced to a diagnosis. Saying someone has cerebral palsy rather than defining them solely by the condition is a small but meaningful step towards person-centred understanding.
Ultimately, inclusion is not about treating everyone in exactly the same way. It is about ensuring that everyone has a fair opportunity to participate. On World Cerebral Palsy Day, the message is therefore larger than awareness alone. It is about creating schools, workplaces, public spaces and communities where accessibility is considered from the beginning rather than added as an afterthought.
A more inclusive world is not one where differences disappear. It is one where differences do not become barriers to dignity, opportunity or belonging.
The 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, concluded on October 4 after 16 days of competition, bringing together athletes from across Asia in one of the continent’s biggest sporting events. India finished fourth in the overall medal standings with 85 medals, including 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze.
Held from September 19 to October 4, the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games featured competition across 43 sports and 469 gold medal events. China topped the medal standings, followed by hosts Japan and South Korea, while India finished fourth.
For India, the 85-medal haul became the country’s second-highest medal tally in Asian Games history, after the record 107 medals won at the 2023 Hangzhou Games. The campaign also featured several historic performances, breakthrough victories and strong finishes in both individual and team events.
China Leads the Medal Standings
China once again emerged as the leading sporting nation at the Asian Games, finishing with 341 medals, including 169 gold. Host nation Japan followed with 267 medals, including 83 gold, while South Korea finished third with 149 medals and 38 gold.
India’s 21 gold medals placed it fourth overall, with the country’s silver and bronze medals taking its final tally to 85.
Athletics and Shooting Make Major Contributions
India’s medal campaign was driven by strong performances across several disciplines. Athletics emerged as one of the country’s biggest contributors, producing 24 medals, while shooting added 15 and archery contributed nine.
Shooting delivered one of the memorable moments of the Games when Neeru Dhanda ended India’s 48-year wait for a women’s trap gold at the Asian Games. She also set an Asian record in the mixed trap event alongside Kynan Chenai. Dhanda later carried the Indian flag at the closing ceremony.
Archery also produced historic results. Kumkum Anil Mohod became the first Indian woman to win an individual recurve gold at the Asian Games. The Indian women’s recurve team also defeated South Korea, ending the country’s long-standing dominance in the event.
Cricket, Hockey and Kabaddi Add Gold
India’s team sports produced some of the biggest celebrations of the Games. Both the men’s and women’s cricket teams won gold medals, giving India a clean sweep in the sport. The men’s team defeated Pakistan in the final, while the women’s side also finished on top.
The Indian men’s hockey team secured another gold after defeating Malaysia 5-1 in the final. The victory also secured India’s qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Kabaddi added further success, with India winning gold in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
Golf also witnessed a historic Indian victory. Pranavi Urs won India’s first-ever Asian Games gold medal in the women’s individual golf event, adding another milestone to the country’s campaign.
Boxing and Emerging Talent
Boxing contributed three gold medals, including one from Lovlina Borgohain, who became only the second Indian woman to win an Asian Games boxing gold after Mary Kom.
The Games also provided a platform for India’s younger athletes. 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became India’s youngest medallist at the Asian Games, while veteran shooter Mairaj Ahmad Khan, aged 50, was among the country’s oldest medallists.
The campaign was not without disappointments, with some of India’s expected medal contenders missing out in their respective events. However, the late surge across athletics, shooting, archery and other disciplines helped India consolidate its fourth-place finish.
As the Aichi-Nagoya Games came to a close, India’s 85-medal campaign stood out for its combination of established champions, historic firsts and emerging sporting talent. The results also continued the country’s upward trajectory in several Olympic and Asian Games disciplines.
With the next Asian Games scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar, in 2030, India’s performance in Aichi-Nagoya provides another marker of the country’s growing presence across the Asian sporting landscape.
Architecture is often noticed through what stands out: a historic monument, a striking skyline, an old palace or a contemporary building with an unusual design. But much of architecture exists quietly around us. The homes we live in, the streets we walk through, the schools we study in and the public spaces we gather in are all shaped by architectural decisions.
World Architecture Day, observed on the first Monday of October, provides an opportunity to recognise the role of architecture in shaping the built environment and influencing the way people experience their surroundings. In 2026, the day falls on October 5.
The observance is linked to the International Union of Architects (UIA), which established World Architecture Day in 1985. It coincides with World Habitat Day, highlighting the close relationship between architecture, housing and the development of human settlements.
Architecture has always reflected the societies that created it. Across India, this relationship can be seen in temples, forts, stepwells, palaces, mosques, churches, traditional homes and public buildings. Each carries traces of the materials, climate, craftsmanship, technology and cultural values of its time.
From the stone architecture of Rajasthan to the wooden houses of Kashmir and the traditional courtyard homes found across different regions, Indian architecture has developed in response to both geography and community life.
This connection between place and design remains relevant today.
As cities expand, architects face the challenge of creating spaces that are functional while also being sustainable, accessible and suited to the people who use them. Rapid urbanisation has increased demand for housing, offices, transportation systems and public infrastructure, making thoughtful architectural planning increasingly important.
Climate change has added another dimension to this responsibility.
Buildings consume significant amounts of energy, while construction can place pressure on natural resources. Architects are therefore increasingly looking at passive design, natural ventilation, energy efficiency, local materials, renewable energy and climate-responsive construction.
In a country with diverse climates, traditional architectural knowledge can also offer valuable lessons. Courtyards, shaded verandas, thick walls, jaalis and locally available materials were often used to manage heat and ventilation long before modern cooling technologies became widespread.
At the same time, architecture is not only about solving practical problems. It can influence how people feel and interact with a space.
A thoughtfully designed school can make learning more welcoming. A well-planned public square can encourage people to gather. A hospital designed around natural light and ease of movement can make an otherwise stressful experience more comfortable. Even a simple home can reflect the routines, relationships and aspirations of the people living inside it.
Technology is now opening another chapter in architecture. Digital modelling, artificial intelligence, advanced construction techniques and new materials are changing how architects visualise and develop spaces. Yet technology does not replace the need for human understanding. A successful building still has to respond to its users, its surroundings and its larger social context.
Preserving existing architecture is equally important. Historic buildings and traditional neighbourhoods are not simply remnants of the past. They carry memories, craftsmanship and stories that contribute to a community’s identity. Conservation, therefore, is not necessarily about preventing change, but about allowing history and contemporary life to coexist thoughtfully.
World Architecture Day is ultimately a reminder that architecture is not simply about constructing buildings. It is about creating the spaces in which life unfolds.
As cities continue to change, the challenge for architecture will be to build for the future without losing sight of people, place and the lessons of the past. Because good architecture does more than occupy space. It gives a place character, makes it functional and, at its best, makes people feel that they belong there.
Architecture sits at the intersection of creativity, functionality and the way people experience a place. For Vandana Goyal, founder of Studio9, that understanding has been shaped by a journey that began in India and continued through London, where she studied at the Architectural Association and The Bartlett and worked with internationally recognised practices including Adjaye Associates, SOM and Wilkinson Eyre.
In 2020, she established Studio9 with a desire to develop her own approach to architecture and create spaces rooted in thoughtful design, sustainability and human experience. Since then, the London-based practice has developed a distinctive philosophy around natural light, materials, proportion, nature and spaces that are designed to endure.
One of Studio9’s notable projects, Ikigai, was included in Open House London and featured in Disney’s Culprits. The practice was also recognised as Best Boutique Architecture Firm 2025 in London, while Ikigai was shortlisted for Residential Project of the Year at the 2024 London Construction Awards.
On Architecture Day, Vandana Goyal speaks about her journey, establishing Studio9, the influence of London, the differences between architectural practices in India and the UK, sustainability and the idea of creating spaces that become part of people’s memories.
Q. What first drew you towards architecture?
Vandana Goyal: Architecture attracted me because it combines creativity with problem-solving. I was fascinated by how an idea can be transformed into a physical space that influences how people live and feel. My experiences in India and later in London, along with my education at the Architectural Association and The Bartlett, helped shape my understanding of architecture as both an art and a responsibility.
Q. Why did you decide to establish Studio9 in 2020?
Vandana Goyal: By 2020, I had gained experience working with several internationally recognised practices, including Adjaye Associates, SOM and Wilkinson Eyre. I felt ready to develop my own approach to architecture and work more closely with clients. Studio9 gave me the opportunity to create spaces that reflect my own values of thoughtful design, sustainability and timelessness.
Q. What did you want Studio9 to stand for when you founded it?
Vandana Goyal: I wanted Studio9 to create architecture that is meaningful rather than simply fashionable. Our focus is on light, material, proportion, nature and human experience. Over time, this has developed into a stronger interest in wellbeing, sustainability and creating spaces that age gracefully.
Q. How do natural elements influence your projects?
Vandana Goyal: I believe nature should be integrated into architecture from the beginning. Natural light, ventilation, water and greenery can influence both the environmental performance and emotional quality of a space. In Ikigai, for example, courtyards, water, greenery and natural light create a calm atmosphere within an urban setting.
Q. How has London influenced your architectural thinking?
Vandana Goyal: London has taught me the importance of context. Its combination of historic and contemporary architecture encourages you to think carefully about proportion, materials and how a new building relates to its surroundings. It has also made me very conscious of using space efficiently, particularly in residential projects.
Q. Having experienced both Indian and British contexts, what differences do you see between architecture in India and the UK?
Vandana Goyal: India has a strong connection with climate, craft, local materials and cultural traditions, while the UK has a highly developed approach to planning, heritage, regulation and technical processes. I believe both contexts have valuable lessons to offer. The ideal approach is to understand the specific character and needs of each place.
Q. How do you translate a client’s personality into architecture?
Vandana Goyal: It begins with listening. We try to understand how clients live, what they value and what makes them comfortable. Their lifestyle then informs everything from spatial planning and light to materials and the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The final home should feel personal rather than simply reflecting the architect’s style.
Q. What does Ikigai mean to you?
Vandana Goyal: Ikigai was conceived as an urban retreat, a calm home within the energy of London. The design uses natural light, an internal courtyard, greenery, water and tactile materials to create a sense of tranquillity. Its inclusion in Open House London and appearance in Disney’s Culprits have been wonderful milestones, but its greatest achievement is the experience it creates for its occupants.
Q. Which recognition has been particularly meaningful to you?
Vandana Goyal: The recognition of Studio9 as Best Boutique Architecture Firm 2025 in London was particularly meaningful because it acknowledged the practice as a whole. Ikigai also being shortlisted for Residential Project of the Year at the 2024 London Construction Awards was an important recognition of our design approach.
Q. What has founding an architectural practice taught you?
Vandana Goyal: Founding a practice taught me that architecture is only one part of the job. Leadership, communication, finances, contracts and client relationships are equally important. I have learned to trust my team, communicate clearly and make decisions while remaining open to different perspectives.
Q. What does genuine sustainability mean to you?
Vandana Goyal: Sustainability should be integrated into the design rather than added as a feature. It means thinking about orientation, daylight, ventilation, material choices, reuse, adaptability and longevity. A building that remains useful and loved for generations is, in itself, a sustainable building.
Q. What are some of the biggest challenges facing architecture in London today?
Vandana Goyal: London needs to balance housing requirements with heritage, sustainability and quality of life. We need more adaptable buildings, better approaches to retrofitting existing structures and homes that respond to changing lifestyles. The challenge is not simply to build more, but to build thoughtfully.
Q. Was there a particular turning point in your career?
Vandana Goyal: Moving from India to London and working with different international practices were important milestones. But founding Studio9 was perhaps the biggest turning point because it required me to define my own architectural philosophy. Projects such as Ikigai helped bring many of those ideas together.
Q. What do you hope people feel when they enter a Studio9 space?
Vandana Goyal: I hope they feel something before they analyse the architecture, perhaps calm, curiosity or a connection with nature. I want our spaces to reveal themselves gradually and become part of people’s everyday memories rather than simply being visually impressive.
Q. What advice would you give young architects in India who aspire to work internationally?
Vandana Goyal: Don’t rush to find your voice. Gain experience, travel, study buildings, understand construction and learn from different cultures. Your Indian background is an asset, but be willing to learn from every environment you work in. And if you eventually want to start your own practice, remember that leadership and business skills are just as important as design.
For Vandana Goyal, architecture is ultimately about more than creating buildings. It is about understanding context, responding to people and creating spaces that have a lasting relationship with those who inhabit them. Her journey from India to London and from working with global architectural practices to establishing Studio9 reflects that evolution. At the heart of her approach is a simple idea: good architecture should not only be seen, but experienced and remembered.
A home is more than four walls and a roof. It is the neighbourhood around us, the streets we walk through, the air we breathe, the public spaces we share and the environment that supports our everyday lives. World Habitat Day, observed every year on the first Monday of October, draws attention to the importance of adequate housing and sustainable human settlements.
Established by the United Nations in 1985, World Habitat Day encourages the world to reflect on the condition of cities and towns and the basic right of people to live in safe and adequate housing. It also highlights the challenges created by rapid urbanisation, population growth, inequality and environmental change.
In 2026, World Habitat Day falls on October 5. More than half of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, and cities continue to expand. This growth has created opportunities for employment, education, healthcare and social mobility, but it has also placed enormous pressure on housing, infrastructure and natural resources.
The question is no longer simply how many homes a city can build. It is also about what kind of homes and neighbourhoods we are creating.
Affordable housing remains a major concern in many parts of the world. For millions of people, particularly those with low or unstable incomes, finding safe and affordable accommodation close to employment and essential services can be difficult. When housing is pushed far away from workplaces, schools and healthcare facilities, residents can face longer commutes, higher expenses and reduced access to opportunities.
Habitat also extends beyond housing.
A well-planned settlement needs reliable water and sanitation, waste management, electricity, transportation, healthcare, education, green spaces and safe public areas. These elements collectively determine whether a place is genuinely liveable. Climate change has made this conversation even more urgent. Cities are experiencing rising temperatures, flooding, water stress and other environmental pressures. Poorly planned construction and the loss of natural drainage systems or green spaces can intensify these problems.
This is particularly relevant for rapidly developing Indian cities. Urban expansion has transformed skylines and created new residential and commercial areas, but it has also raised questions about traffic, waste, water availability, pollution and the preservation of lakes, wetlands and other natural spaces.
The idea of sustainable habitats therefore requires a balance between development and the environment. Green buildings, efficient public transport, renewable energy, rainwater harvesting, better waste management and the protection of urban forests and water bodies can contribute to more resilient communities. At the same time, planning must consider the people who already live in these spaces, ensuring that development does not simply displace vulnerable communities.
Technology is also changing the way we imagine future habitats. Smart infrastructure, digital public services, data-driven urban planning and energy-efficient systems can make cities more responsive. But technology alone cannot solve the housing crisis. Planning must remain centred on people and their basic needs.
World Habitat Day ultimately asks a simple but important question: What makes a place worth calling home?
It is not only the size of a house or the height of a building. It is the availability of clean water, safe streets, accessible transport, affordable housing, green spaces and a sense of belonging.
As cities continue to grow, the challenge is to ensure that development does not make them merely bigger, but better places to live.
Because the future of our cities is ultimately the future of our homes.
A teacher’s influence rarely ends when a class is over. Sometimes it appears years later, in the confidence to speak, the curiosity to ask questions, the courage to try again or simply in the way a person learns to see the world.
Every year, October 5 is observed as World Teachers’ Day, recognising the contribution of teachers and highlighting the importance of the teaching profession across the world. The day also draws attention to the challenges educators face and the need to ensure quality education for every learner.
World Teachers’ Day was established by UNESCO in 1994 to commemorate the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. The recommendation set important international standards relating to teachers’ rights, responsibilities, preparation, employment and working conditions.
Over three decades later, the role of teachers is changing rapidly.
The traditional classroom has expanded into digital spaces, online courses, interactive platforms and virtual learning environments. Students today have access to an enormous amount of information at their fingertips. Yet access to information does not automatically create understanding.
This is where teachers continue to play an important role.
A teacher is not simply someone who provides information. Teachers help students interpret information, ask better questions, distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources and develop the confidence to form their own understanding.
This role has become particularly significant in an age of artificial intelligence and rapidly changing technology. With AI tools increasingly becoming part of education and everyday life, students need not only technological skills but also critical thinking, creativity, ethical awareness and the ability to use technology responsibly.
At the same time, teaching remains deeply human. Behind every lesson plan are teachers managing different learning abilities, expectations, administrative responsibilities and the emotional needs of their students. For many students, a teacher can become a source of encouragement at a time when they are uncertain about themselves or their future.
India has a long intellectual and cultural tradition of valuing the teacher. The Guru-Shishya tradition historically placed learning within a relationship built on knowledge, discipline and guidance. In modern education, the classroom has evolved considerably, but the importance of mentorship remains.
Teachers also contribute to society beyond academic achievement. They introduce young people to ideas, values, cultures and perspectives that can shape how they participate in their communities. A good education is therefore not only about preparing students for examinations or employment. It is also about preparing them to navigate a complex world.
However, recognising teachers also means recognising the challenges within the profession. Workload, changing educational requirements, technological transitions and the demand for continuous professional development can place considerable pressure on educators. Supporting teachers requires more than appreciation on a single day. It requires investment in training, resources, working conditions and opportunities to grow.
World Teachers’ Day is therefore both a celebration and a reminder.
It invites us to remember the teachers whose lessons stayed with us long after we left their classrooms, but also to think about what educators need to continue doing their work effectively.
Technology may change the way lessons are delivered. Classrooms may become increasingly digital. The tools of education may continue to evolve.
But the importance of someone who encourages a student to believe, “I can learn this,” is unlikely to disappear.
On World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate not just those who teach subjects, but those who help shape the people their students eventually become.
Every year, October 4 is observed as World Animal Day, drawing attention to animal welfare, conservation and the relationship humans share with other living beings. In a world where urbanisation, climate change and habitat loss are rapidly changing natural ecosystems, the day offers an opportunity to look beyond our fascination with animals and think about our responsibility towards them.
World Animal Day began in 1925 in Berlin, initiated by German writer and animal welfare advocate Heinrich Zimmermann. October 4 was chosen because it is the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, who is traditionally associated with animals and nature. Over time, the observance developed into a global movement focused on improving the lives of animals and encouraging greater awareness of their welfare.
Today, the conversation around animals extends far beyond pets.
India is home to an extraordinary range of wildlife, from the tiger and Asiatic lion to elephants, leopards, rhinos, birds and countless smaller species that contribute to the health of ecosystems. Yet many of these animals face growing pressure from shrinking habitats, pollution, climate change, illegal wildlife trade and increasing human-wildlife interactions.
For animals living around human settlements, the challenges can look very different. Stray dogs and cats are often exposed to traffic, disease, hunger and abandonment. Birds can be affected by pollution and shrinking green spaces. During extreme summers, lack of water can become a serious problem for animals in cities as well as rural areas.
Animal welfare, however, is not limited to rescuing animals after they are hurt. It also involves preventing suffering and creating conditions in which animals can live safely.
Responsible pet ownership is one example. Bringing an animal home involves a long-term commitment to food, healthcare, vaccination, sterilisation where appropriate, exercise and care. Similarly, helping an injured or distressed animal should ideally involve trained rescuers, veterinarians or local animal welfare organisations rather than untrained intervention. Wildlife requires a different kind of responsibility: distance.
Photographing a wild animal may take only a few seconds, but approaching it, feeding it or disturbing its natural behaviour can have serious consequences. Respecting wildlife means allowing animals to remain wild rather than turning every encounter into an interaction.
There is also a larger environmental connection. Animals are part of ecosystems that support human life. Bees and other pollinators contribute to food production. Birds and mammals disperse seeds. Predators help regulate populations within ecosystems. The disappearance or decline of one species can therefore affect many others.
Climate change makes this relationship even more visible. Changing temperatures, rainfall patterns, water availability and food sources are altering habitats and creating new pressures for wildlife. Protecting animals consequently requires protecting the environments in which they live.
World Animal Day is not simply about loving animals for a day. It is about recognising that compassion needs to be accompanied by responsibility and awareness.
A bowl of water kept outside during a hot day, adopting rather than abandoning a pet, supporting responsible animal welfare initiatives, avoiding wildlife exploitation and respecting an animal’s space may seem like small actions. Collectively, however, they reflect a larger understanding of coexistence.
Animals do not need humans to celebrate them once a year. They need us to make choices that allow them to exist with dignity throughout the year.
And perhaps that is the real message of World Animal Day: sharing the planet also means accepting our responsibility towards those who cannot speak for themselves.
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is being hailed for his courage after a dramatic incident aboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv left him seriously injured but helped avert what could have been a major aviation disaster. Despite being attacked in the cockpit, Machchhar managed to respond to the emergency, allowing other crew members and passengers to intervene and helping the aircraft land safely in Saudi Arabia.
From textile engineering to aviation
For Captain Smit Machchhar, aviation was not an early childhood dream. A Mumbai native, he initially studied textile engineering with the intention of eventually joining his family’s textile business. During his management studies at Mumbai’s Welingkar Institute of Management, he attended an aviation seminar at around the age of 19. The experience changed his career plans and sparked his interest in flying.
Machchhar subsequently trained in New Zealand and began his commercial aviation career with SpiceJet. He spent more than a decade with the airline, rising through various roles and serving as a line training captain, where he was involved in training and mentoring other pilots.
In 2022, he joined flydubai as a direct-entry captain. By the time of the incident, he had accumulated nearly 9,750 flying hours and had around 15 years of aviation experience, according to Reuters.
What happened aboard Flight FZ1073?
On September 30, 2026, flydubai Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when a confrontation reportedly broke out inside the cockpit.
According to reports, the co-pilot, an Omani national, allegedly attacked Machchhar and attempted to interfere with the aircraft’s operation. The Boeing 737 experienced a rapid loss of altitude during the incident before the situation was brought under control. The exact circumstances and motive remain under formal investigation. Flydubai said that the underlying reasons for the incident were not known at that stage.
Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar managed to activate the cockpit door release. This enabled passengers and crew members to enter the cockpit and help restrain the co-pilot. Two off-duty flydubai pilots who were travelling as passengers also assisted in bringing the aircraft under control.
The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Reports put the number of people aboard at 174 passengers, while some official accounts have referred to the total number of people on board as around 180. All passengers and crew were ultimately reported safe.
The pilot’s condition
Machchhar received initial medical treatment at a hospital in Tabuk following the emergency landing. On October 1, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said that he had subsequently been shifted to Abu Dhabi for continued medical care and recovery.
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai have remained in contact with local authorities and his family. The MEA has also said that it is closely monitoring his health and expressed appreciation for the support and admiration he has received internationally.
Why Captain Machchhar’s story stands out
Machchhar’s actions have drawn widespread praise because he continued to respond to an extremely dangerous situation despite being seriously injured himself. Indian and Israeli leaders publicly acknowledged his courage, while former colleagues and members of the aviation community have also spoken about his professionalism.
Yet Machchhar’s own approach to aviation has long centred on safety rather than recognition. In a 2025 interview, he spoke about situations in which flights had been diverted for medical emergencies or delayed because of technical concerns. His emphasis was that reaching the destination on time was less important than ensuring passengers could safely walk out of the aircraft.
The investigation into the cockpit incident is continuing, and authorities are examining what led to the confrontation and the co-pilot’s alleged actions. Those questions will be important in understanding how the incident unfolded.
For now, Captain Smit Machchhar’s story stands as one of professional responsibility under extraordinary circumstances. His journey from textile engineering to the cockpit, followed by his response during one of the most frightening moments of his flying career, has brought international attention to an Indian pilot whose priority, even in the face of personal danger, was the safety of those on board.
