On September 26, 2025, India officially retired its legendary MiG-21 fighter aircraft after over six decades of service. The decommissioning ceremony took place at the Chandigarh Air Force Station, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who piloted the final sortie. The MiG-21, inducted in 1963, played a pivotal role in major conflicts, including the 1971 and 1999 wars. The event featured a skydiving display by the 'Akash Ganga' team, a flypast by MiG-21s in 'Badal' and 'Panther' formations, and a Surya Kiran aerobatic show. The MiG-21s are being replaced by the Tejas LCA Mk1A for enhanced safety and modern capabilities.  

Vispy Kharadi, known as the "Steel Man of India," achieved a remarkable feat by setting a Guinness World Record for the longest duration holding the Hercules Pillars (male) category. In Surat, Gujarat, he held two massive steel pillars, each weighing approximately 130.5 kg, for an impressive 67 seconds. The pillars, inspired by Greek architecture, measured 123 inches in height and 20.5 inches in diameter. Kharadi dedicated this achievement to the Indian Armed Forces, emphasizing the strength and resilience inherent in Indian athletes. His accomplishment has garnered widespread recognition and admiration. (PC: NDTV)

Activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested by Leh police in connection with recent Ladakh violence, which left four dead and many injured. The Ministry of Home Affairs accused him of instigating the unrest and revoked the FCRA licence of his organisation, SECMOL, citing alleged violations. In response, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, described the violence as a “conspiracy” rather than a revolution and warned those disturbing order would be held accountable. Security restrictions were imposed under Section 163, schools closed, and over 50 detentions made to restore peace.   

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of India directed real estate developers to pay the same 18% interest on delayed possession as they charge buyers for late payments. The case involved a buyer who waited over a decade for a plot in Haryana’s Park Land project, despite paying ₹43.13 lakh. The builder imposed 18% interest for alleged delays, yet offered only 9% interest on refund. The court found this inequitable and modified the consumer commission’s order, mandating refund with 18% simple interest within two months. Justices Dipankar Datta and AG Masih emphasized fairness, stating builders must face consequences equal to those imposed on buyers for defaults. (PC: Money Control)

Musician Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, present during the yacht trip linked to singer Zubeen Garg’s death, has been arrested by Assam’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) for questioning. Officials have not yet disclosed the nature of allegations or whether formal charges will follow. The SIT, led by Special DGP MP Gupta, is also investigating cultural activist Shyamkanu Mahanta and other associates, including members of the Singapore Assam Association. Authorities continue reconstructing the events that led to Garg’s sudden death during a swim in Singapore on September 19. (PC: India Today)

The death toll in the illegal stone quarry collapse at Nalhati, West Bengal, rose to seven. Tapan Mal, transferred from Bardhaman to Kolkata for treatment, died in a hospital on Thursday.   The accident occurred on September 12 at a quarry in Bahadurpur’s Shaldanga area. Six workers died immediately when soil and stones fell on them. Four others were critically injured. Rescue teams dug through the debris and took survivors to hospitals. The earlier deceased workers were Samaul Molla, Abid Sheikh, Hazrat Ali, Lalbabu Sheikh, Rath Mondal, and Kajal Let, all from poor families. (PC: Ganashakti)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch Bihar’s Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana on Friday through video conferencing. Under the scheme, ₹10,000 each will be transferred to the bank accounts of 75 lakh women across the state, amounting to ₹7,500 crore. Officials said the goal is to make women aatmanirbhar by supporting self-employment and livelihood opportunities. One woman from each family will receive financial aid to start work of her choice. Later, more support of up to ₹2 lakh may be given. Training will be provided through self-help groups, and rural markets will be developed to help sell their products. (PC: ANI Video Grab/ ANI Garb)

 A monumental 500-foot alpana, conceived using AI by designer Suvranil Nath, now adorns a stretch near New Town’s Sarbojanin in Kolkata, merging tradition and technology. The colorful artwork—executed by artist Anindita Deb and a team of 20 artists over five nights (7 pm to 7 am)—turned the road into a vibrant festival spectacle, compelling commuters to pause and admire. Backed by a multinational sponsor, the project is a bold statement of how cultural expression and AI can coalesce in public art. 

The Indian government is preparing a major project to use its share of Indus waters for northern states, NDTV reported. After suspending the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan earlier this year, ministers reviewed plans to build a 14-km tunnel linking the Indus and Beas rivers. Construction giant L&T is preparing the detailed report, expected by next year. A 113-km canal will also be built to carry water to Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Jammu and Kashmir. Officials aim to finish by 2028. The project will boost irrigation and drinking water, while stopping excess water from flowing into Pakistan. (PC: NDTV)

Wipro founder Azim Premji has declined Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s request to open the company’s Sarjapur campus road for public use to ease traffic on Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road. Premji said legal, governance, and SEZ rules prevent public access to the private property. He added that such a move would not provide a lasting solution. Instead, Premji offered to work with the state government on data-driven solutions. He proposed a scientific study by urban transport experts and said Wipro would fund much of the cost. Premji stressed that a holistic, long-term plan is needed to solve the city’s traffic issues. (PC: India Today)