Professor Suneel Kateriya of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) played an important role in the scientific journey behind the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. During his PhD research in Germany in 2001, Kateriya identified 2 genes for light-sensing proteins in the single-celled alga Chlamydomonas. The genes were later named channelrhodopsin-1 and channelrhodopsin-2. His work became part of the foundation for optogenetics, a technique that allows scientists to control selected nerve cells using light. The 2026 Nobel Prize was awarded to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel for discoveries involving light-gated ion channels and optogenetics. (PC: India Today)

The Centre has rejected Elon Musk’s claim that Starlink faces hurdles in India because of “monopolistic chokeholds”, calling the allegation “baseless” and “misconceived”. The government said regulatory procedures are necessary for the telecom sector and argued that Musk’s remarks do not reflect India’s regulatory framework. Musk had alleged that monopolistic interests were creating obstacles for Starlink’s expansion in the country. The development comes as Starlink continues to work towards expanding its satellite internet services in India. The disagreement highlights the regulatory challenges surrounding the rollout of satellite-based internet services in the country. (PC: X)

YouTuber Dhruv Rathee is set to join the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Bengaluru’s Freedom Park on Thursday, October 8. Rathee urged people to attend the demonstration, calling it a fight to protect democracy. The protest is demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and changes to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Actor Prakash Raj also backed the protest and used a dialogue inspired by Singham to target Kumar. The Bengaluru demonstration will include a “People’s Tribunal on the SIR” and a “Chappal protest”. The CJP has also planned a larger protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on October 10.

Amazon has cut fewer than 1,000 white-collar jobs, mainly in its Stores business, according to Reuters. The latest layoffs affected employees in the US, India and the UK and came as the company held its Prime Big Deal Days shopping event. Amazon confirmed the job cuts but did not reveal the exact number of employees affected. The Stores unit manages Amazon’s main e-commerce website and several related operations. The latest reductions follow Amazon’s earlier plan to eliminate around 30,000 corporate positions. The company has been reducing its workforce after expanding significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic, when online shopping demand surged. (PC: News18)

Veteran actor Nana Patekar died at 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa on Thursday. He was taken to a hospital, where doctors attempted CPR for 45 minutes but could not revive him. Just 4 days earlier, Patekar had attended an event in Dona Paula, Goa, where he spoke about life and death. “We all have to go someday. I don’t know whether I will be here tomorrow or not,” he said. Patekar, known for films including Krantiveer, Parinda, Ab Tak Chhappan and Welcome, had a career spanning Hindi and Marathi cinema. He received the Padma Shri in 2013. (PC: NDTV)

Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentina captain played his final international match against Benin on October 6. Messi scored and provided 2 assists in his farewell appearance at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium. After the match, the 39-year-old posted an emotional message on Instagram, saying he would miss wearing Argentina’s shirt. Ronaldo responded by praising Messi’s achievements with the national team. “Leo, so many years defending your country and a history that will last forever. All my respect for what you have achieved with Argentina. A hug,” Ronaldo wrote. The pair have long shared one of football’s most celebrated rivalries. (PC: India Today)

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s Z+ security cover has been strengthened following a fresh threat assessment amid protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, according to officials. Additional personnel have been deployed around his New Delhi residence, the Election Commission headquarters at Nirvachan Sadan and as part of his personal security detail. The review follows protests near Kumar’s Delhi residence and an agitation outside his family’s residence in Agra. Officials said security was also deployed around his home after protesters reportedly traced its location. Kumar already had Z+ security, which has now been reinforced amid the escalating protests targeting the Chief Election Commissioner over the ongoing electoral-roll revision exercise. (PC: X)

President Droupadi Murmu mourned the death of veteran actor Nana Patekar, praising his powerful and evocative performances that brought a wide range of human experiences to the screen. In her tribute, Murmu said Patekar portrayed characters that left a lasting imprint on the hearts and minds of audiences. She also highlighted his commitment to social service and concern for underprivileged communities. Describing his death as a great loss to Indian cinema, the President extended her condolences to Patekar’s family and admirers. Murmu’s tribute came after the veteran actor’s death, as tributes poured in for the celebrated performer known for his distinctive acting and contributions to Indian cinema and social service.

Veteran actor Nana Patekar died of cardiac arrest at his home in Goa early Thursday, aged 75, his son Malhar confirmed. Patekar was administered CPR for 45 minutes but could not be saved. Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar announced that he would receive a state funeral for his contribution to theatre and cinema. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were among those who paid tribute. Patekar made his film debut with Gaman in 1978 and delivered acclaimed performances in Parinda, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi, Ab Tak Chhappan, Welcome and Natsamrat. He also directed and wrote films and received the Padma Shri in 2013. (PC: The Indian Express)

The United States has proposed a USD 70,000 fee for international students participating in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme for the first time, with educational institutions required to pay USD 30,000 for each subsequent renewal. According to a PTI report cited by Times Now, the Department of Homeland Security recommended the framework to curb perceived abuses of the system. OPT allows international students to work for one year after completing studies in a related field, while STEM graduates can work for up to three years. If implemented, the proposal could significantly affect Indian students pursuing higher education in the US. The measure would place the proposed fees on educational institutions, not students directly. (PC: Times Now)