Record-breaking rainfall brought Kolkata to standstill Tuesday, with 185mm rain in three hours killing nine people and cancelling 30 flights. Streets, homes, and markets submerged as Alipore recorded 247.5mm in 24 hours. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cancelled Durga Puja inauguration, closed schools and offices for two days, attributing deaths to electrocution from CESC negligence. Metro services suspended between key stations, hundreds of trains disrupted, airport runway waterlogged. Southern areas worst-hit with Garia receiving 332mm rainfall. IMD warns of continued heavy rains across South Bengal due to Bay of Bengal low-pressure system. Relief control room established at Nabanna with helplines. Festival preparations severely disrupted just days before Durga Puja celebrations.

Shah Rukh Khan made history at the 71st National Film Awards 2025, receiving his first-ever Best Actor honor for his performance in Jawan. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, during a grand ceremony. SRK shared the honor with Vikrant Massey for his role in 12th Fail. The crowd erupted as Khan's name was announced, witnessing the King of Bollywood gracefully accept his Rajat Kamal medal. In Jawan, he portrayed dual roles of army officer Vikram Rathore and his son Azaad. Despite his legendary career, this marks his debut National Award in the Best Actor category. Each winner receives Rs 1 lakh cash prize.

Former Tibetan Government President Dr Lobsang Sangay warns India against China's "elite capture" strategy in explosive NDTV interview. He alleges Chinese Embassy in Delhi actively influences Indian politicians, citing National Day celebrations attended by politicians and business leaders. Sangay claims China uses ancient co-option tactics, buying leaders, intellectuals, journalists, and YouTubers across South Asia. He points to Nepal's pro-China parties, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives regimes as examples. Warning extends globally, citing European ministers receiving lucrative Chinese company positions after praising Beijing. Sangay highlights India's dangerous $99 billion trade deficit with China and warns against repeating Western mistakes of believing trade democratizes China. His message: guard against elite capture before it's too late.

Air India has cancelled two key flights due to Typhoon Ragasa threatening Hong Kong with severe weather conditions. Flight AI314 from Delhi to Hong Kong scheduled for September 23 and return flight AI315 from Hong Kong to Delhi on September 24 have been grounded as a precautionary measure. The airline cited adverse weather forecasts from the approaching typhoon as the reason for cancellations beyond their control. Air India expressed regret for passenger inconvenience while prioritizing safety protocols. The carrier is offering affected passengers full refunds or complimentary one-time rescheduling options within the same travel class. This cancellation reflects airlines' standard practice of suspending operations during extreme weather events to ensure passenger and crew safety. (PC: X & ANI)

Legendary cricket umpire Harold Dennis "Dickie" Bird MBE OBE has died peacefully at home aged 92, Yorkshire County Cricket Club announced Monday. Born in Barnsley in 1933, Bird played first-class cricket for Yorkshire and Leicestershire before injury ended his playing career. He became one of cricket's most celebrated umpires, officiating 66 Tests and 69 ODIs, including three World Cup finals during his 23-year career. Known for integrity, humor, and distinctive style, he earned worldwide admiration. Bird served as Yorkshire CCC President from 2014, overseeing two County Championship titles. Honored with MBE in 1986 and OBE in 2012, he's remembered as cricket's "superstar among umpires" and one of Yorkshire's greatest characters. (PC: Instagram)

Kristen Fischer, an American woman residing in India for over four years, recently shared her “crazy” hospital experience via Instagram. After cutting her thumb and bleeding profusely, she cycled to a nearby hospital where she was treated instantly within 45 minutes for just ₹50. Her reel highlighted the efficiency and affordability of Indian healthcare, sparking widespread praise and comparisons to the high costs of U.S. medical services. Fischer’s story resonated with many, showcasing how accessible emergency care can be in India. Her experience has gone viral, drawing attention to the country’s healthcare infrastructure and prompting conversations around global disparities in medical costs and access.

Texas Republican Senate candidate Alexander Duncan ignited backlash after denouncing a 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman, known as the Statue of Union installed at the Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas. In a post on X, Duncan called it a “false statue of a false Hindu God,” asserting that America is a “Christian nation.” He cited Bible verses to support his stance, prompting condemnation from civil rights groups and the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), which filed a formal complaint with the Texas GOP. Critics emphasized religious freedom and the constitutional right to worship. The statue, unveiled in 2024, is North America’s tallest Hanuman monument and symbolizes unity and peace (PC: Hindustan Times & WION)

The Maharashtra government’s Vidyarthi Vigyan Vari scheme, unveiled in June 2025, aims to send 51 state-level science project finalists annually to NASA, pending final funding approval. Designed to recognize students who show scientific creativity beyond competition winners, the initiative also includes visits to ISRO and local science centres for district and tehsil-level achievers. The NASA leg alone costs ₹3 crore and awaits state clearance. Minister Pankaj Bhoyar emphasized the scheme’s goal to inspire deeper scientific research among students. Prize money for state-level winners has also increased from ₹5,000 to ₹51,000. If implemented, this could become a model for other states to nurture young scientific minds. (PC: Space)

Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh appeared before the Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday for questioning in a money laundering case involving online betting app 1xBet. The 43-year-old, accompanied by his legal team, had his statement recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act at the agency's central Delhi office. The ED has previously questioned cricketers Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, Robin Uthappa, and actors including Mimi Chakraborty and Ankush Hazra. Actor Sonu Sood faces summons Wednesday. The investigation targets 1xBet's alleged operations duping people of crores while evading taxes. The probe examines celebrity endorsement contracts, payment modes, and whether stars knew online betting was illegal in India. Asset attachment processes may follow.

Mysterious technical glitches disrupted UN General Assembly speeches by world leaders discussing Palestinian statehood recognition. Turkey's Erdogan, Canada's Carney, and Indonesia's Subianto experienced microphone failures during critical moments addressing Palestine. Erdogan's audio cut while condemning Israeli actions in Gaza. Carney's microphone died immediately after declaring Canada's recognition of Palestinian statehood. Subianto lost audio while discussing Gaza peacekeepers. UN staff attributed failures to equipment problems, denying outside interference. Despite disruptions, Palestinian recognition momentum grew with France, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, and Canada joining approximately 150 nations supporting statehood. Israel and the US opposed the moves, with Netanyahu rejecting Palestinian state establishment and America warning against rewarding Hamas.