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Sheetal Devi, Indian armless archer, shooting compound bow with feet after winning gold medal.


Gwangju, South Korea: Indian archer Sheetal Devi, the 18-year-old sensation, has made history by winning the gold medal in the women's individual compound event at the Para World Archery Championship held in Gwangju, South Korea, on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

Sheetal, who is the only female archer in the world to compete internationally without arms, secured the top spot after a thrilling final against the World No. 1, Oznur Cure Girdi of Turkiye. Sheetal showed exceptional focus and technique, defeating her rival with a final score of 146-143.

Triumph and Technique

This victory is particularly meaningful as the final was a rematch of the 2023 World Championships, where Girdi had narrowly beaten Sheetal. This time, the young Indian archer turned the tables, showing great mental strength and composure.

Born with a condition that caused her to be without arms, Sheetal performs her sport in a unique and inspiring way: she raises the bow using her right foot, pulls the string back with her shoulder, and releases the arrow with a device held in her jaw and chin.

Her success in Gwangju was not limited to the individual event. Sheetal also contributed to India’s medal tally by winning a bronze medal in the mixed team compound event and a silver medal in the women’s open team event.

A Dream Achieved

Speaking about her achievement, Sheetal Devi shared her joy, saying: “I had a dream I would become world champion. It made me want to work. I worked and worked and today I've got such a good result.”

This historic gold medal highlights India's growing strength in para-sports and marks Sheetal Devi as a top contender for upcoming major international competitions. She continues to be a powerful symbol of determination and resilience for people across the nation.

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Dozens of delegates protest Israel’s actions in Gaza and Prime Minister’s firm rejection of a Palestinian state.

NEW YORK: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a dramatic walkout by delegates from several countries at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Friday. The protest took place as the Prime Minister stepped up to give his address on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Key Details and Context

The mass departure, which saw many seats in the assembly hall emptied, highlighted the growing international isolation Israel is facing over its military campaign in Gaza. Delegates left the room in protest of Israel's actions and policies regarding the Palestinian people.

In his speech, Prime Minister Netanyahu took a very firm and uncompromising stand. He strongly rejected the recent decisions by several Western countries, including some European nations, to formally recognise a Palestinian state. He stated that Israel "must finish the job" against the Hamas group in Gaza.

Netanyahu also directly criticised world leaders who have called for a ceasefire or supported Palestinian statehood, accusing them of "caving" under pressure. He said such actions would only encourage terrorism and make it harder for Israel to achieve its goals. During his remarks, there were mixed reactions in the hall, with some shouts of protest followed by applause from his supporters.

International Isolation and Next Steps

The walkout signals deep division within the international community regarding the conflict. While the US delegation remained in the hall, many major world powers sent lower-ranking officials, indicating a complex diplomatic situation.

Netanyahu is currently under intense global pressure, including facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes, which he denies. He has stood firm and stated that Israel will not compromise its security goals. This incident at the UN General Assembly demonstrates the growing diplomatic pressure on the Israeli government as it continues its actions in Gaza.  

Next steps will include monitoring global reactions to his speech and any diplomatic steps taken by countries participating in the walkout. (agencies)

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gold-producing bacteria Cupriavidus metallidurans

 A surprising discovery in science has amazed people across the world. Scientists have found a special kind of bacteria that can change toxic metal into pure 24-karat gold. This bacteria is called Cupriavidus metallidurans, and it was first discovered in 2009 by Australian scientists. Recently, it has again caught public attention due to a post on social media .

Nature’s Tiny Gold-Maker

This bacteria lives in very harsh places where the amount of metal is very high—conditions where most living beings can't survive. But this microbe has a smart way to stay alive. It eats toxic gold chloride, which is a harmful gold compound, and turns it into tiny particles of pure gold using a special chemical process.

In 2013, a research paper in Nature Communications explained how the bacteria removes toxins from its surroundings while creating tiny bits of gold. People have started calling it a “tiny gold factory” because of how it produces gold, although these gold particles are extremely small and not visible to the naked eye.

Hope for Green and Clean Technology

This discovery could be useful for creating environment-friendly ways of mining. Normal gold mining uses a lot of energy and harmful chemicals, which pollute the land and water. But this bacteria could help in bio-mining, where living microbes are used to extract metals from low-quality ores or even old electronic devices (e-waste).

A 2018 report by ScienceAlert mentioned that in the future, modified versions of this bacteria could help recover gold from discarded mobile phones, laptops, and other electronic waste. This would reduce pollution and help recycle precious metals.

Still a Long Way to Go

Even though this idea sounds amazing, scientists warn that it’s not practical on a large scale yet. The bacteria produces very small amounts of gold, and the process is very slow. So, we can't expect to get rich by growing bacteria in labs. Also, the cost of using this method is still high and needs more development.

A 2020 report in Environmental Science & Technology also said that while this method is exciting, it can’t replace current gold mining or recycling methods any time soon.

The Future of Gold-Making Bacteria

Researchers are now trying to improve the bacteria’s gold-making abilities. They are exploring ways like genetic modification or combining it with other helpful microbes. Cupriavidus metallidurans is seen as a new hope in the field of sustainable technology and green mining.

Though it may take years to make this process practical for industries, this bacteria shows how nature can inspire new solutions for modern problems. It is a small but powerful reminder that nature often holds the key to our future—we just have to unlock it with smart science.

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 June 14, 2025, Middle East – The long-simmering tensions between Israel and Iran have erupted into direct military confrontation this week, marking a significant and dangerous escalation in the Middle East. Both nations launched a series of strikes and counter-strikes, resulting in casualties, damage, and widespread international concern over the potential for a broader regional conflict.

The immediate escalation began on Friday, June 13, 2025, when Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion," a large-scale military operation targeting over 100 Iranian military and nuclear sites. These strikes, carried out by more than 200 aircraft (including fighter jets and drones), reportedly hit key nuclear enrichment facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Shiraz, as well as ballistic missile manufacturing sites and command centers across Iran. Israeli officials stated the operation aimed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, claiming intelligence indicated Iran was days away from producing sufficient fissile material. The attacks also reportedly resulted in the deaths of top Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders and senior nuclear scientists.

Hours later, Iran launched a retaliatory counterattack with waves of ballistic missiles and drones aimed at Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. While many projectiles were intercepted by Israel's advanced air defense systems, two people were killed and 19 injured in central Israel by a missile strike, according to Magen David Adom, Israel's paramedic service. In Iran, state media reported at least 78 people killed and over 320 wounded in the initial Israeli strikes, including civilians. Iranian air defenses were activated across Tehran, and a fire was reported at Tehran's Mehrabad International Airport.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, "Israel will strike every site and every target of the Ayatollahs' regime," adding a stern warning: "What they have felt so far is nothing compared with what they will be handed in the coming days." Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz further warned, "If… Khamenei continues to fire missiles… Tehran will burn." Israel's UN Envoy Danny Danon defended the operation before the UN Security Council as "an act of national preservation," citing Iran's alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed "harsh punishment" and a "bitter and painful fate" for Israel. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated his nation would "strongly take action" against Israel. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei accused the United States of complicity in the Israeli attacks, stating that the US "acted in a way that makes dialogue meaningless" and that nuclear talks with Washington were now "meaningless." Iran's UN Envoy Amir Saeid Iravani described the Israeli attacks as a "declaration of war" and "a direct assault on international order."

The rapid escalation has drawn widespread international condemnation and urgent calls for de-escalation:

  • United Nations: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both sides to halt attacks, stating, "Enough escalation. Time to stop. Peace and diplomacy must prevail." The UN Security Council held an emergency session at Iran's request, where UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo called for "maximum restraint." IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi emphasized that "nuclear facilities should never be attacked regardless of the context or circumstances," expressing grave concern over contamination at the Natanz site.

  • United States: President Donald Trump urged Iran to "make a deal so there is 'no more death, no more destruction'," though US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed that Israel's actions were "unilateral," while acknowledging the US was informed in advance and prioritizing the protection of American forces in the region.

  • Global Powers: Russia and China condemned Israel's strikes at the UN Security Council, with Russia's UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia warning Israel was "pushing the region to a large-scale nuclear catastrophe." The UK, France, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and South Africa also called for restraint and de-escalation.

  • Economic Impact: The conflict immediately sent shockwaves through global markets. Oil prices surged, with Brent crude increasing over nine percent to cross $78 per barrel, fueled by fears of disruptions in the crucial Strait of Hormuz. Global stock markets, including India's Sensex, experienced significant slumps.

  • Aviation Disruptions: Airspace closures over Iran and parts of the Middle East led to mass diversions of commercial flights, causing longer travel times, delays, and increased operational costs for airlines.

The direct military exchanges mark a dangerous new chapter in the Israel-Iran rivalry, which has traditionally been fought through proxies and covert operations. The immediate future is likely to be characterized by continued international diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and prevent a full-scale regional war. The status of Iran's nuclear program and any potential return to negotiations with the US remain highly uncertain, especially after Iran's withdrawal from scheduled talks. The region remains on high alert for further retaliatory actions from either side, as the world watches anxiously for developments.

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WASHINGTON - US authorities have arrested two Chinese nationals for smuggling a highly dangerous biological agent "Fusarium graminearum". This pathogen is considered fatal to the agricultural sector and is being described as a potential weapon of "agro-terrorism" which can pose a serious threat to the US food supply and economy.

The arrested persons include Yunqing Jian (33), who is a researcher at the University of Michigan, and Xunyong Liu (34). It is alleged that Liu smuggled this biological agent into the US through Detroit Metropolitan Airport, while Jian was planning to use it for research in the laboratory.

It is a type of fungus that spreads a disease called "head blight" in crops like wheat, barley, maize and rice. Its infection not only affects agricultural production, but it can also cause vomiting, liver damage and reproductive problems in humans and animals. This leads to losses of billions of dollars globally every year.

The two accused have been charged with conspiracy, biological smuggling, making false statements and visa fraud. Liu has been sent back to China, while Jian will be produced in court in Detroit.

FBI Director Kash Patel described the incident as a "serious warning" and said that this case shows how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is infiltrating American research institutions and targeting the country's food supply. He praised the quick action of the FBI's Detroit Division and the US Customs Department (CBP).

The incident has come to light at a time when there are already tense relations between the US and China. The matter has become more sensitive after the Trump administration's decision to cancel the visas of Chinese students. Due to this, the demand for restarting the program like "China Initiative" has also intensified, which was earlier started with the aim of stopping Chinese espionage.

This matter has emerged as a serious threat not only to America's food security but also to national security. It makes it clear how foreign interference can affect American research institutions and resources. Experts believe that this issue can bring more tension in US-China relations in the coming days.

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BARCELONA - SPAIN: A widespread power outage struck Spain and Portugal on Monday, halting transportation, cutting phone services, and disrupting daily life for millions across the Iberian Peninsula. Authorities attributed the blackout to a "strong oscillation" in the European grid but have not yet determined the exact cause. Power restoration was expected to take 6-10 hours, with voltage gradually returning by mid-afternoon.

The outage, one of the most severe in recent European history, impacted major cities including Madrid and Lisbon, shutting down subways, railways, and traffic lights. Offices closed, ATMs stopped working, and mobile networks faced disruptions, though some apps remained functional. In Barcelona, residents resorted to battery-powered radios, while civilians directed traffic manually.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Council and thanked France and Morocco for supplying emergency power. Portugal’s government confirmed the issue likely originated in Spain’s distribution network, though no cyberattack was detected.

The blackout affected a combined population of 60 million, though Spain’s Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, and African territories remained unaffected. Hospitals and emergency services relied on backup generators, while airports operated with delays. Train services were suspended, and the Madrid Open tennis tournament halted play.

Authorities continue investigating the cause, with full power restoration expected by late Monday. Residents were urged to limit car use and prepare for lingering disruptions. The event underscores vulnerabilities in continental energy grids as Europe braces for potential sabotage risks.

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VANCOUVER: A driver plowed a car into a crowd at a street festival celebrating Filipino heritage in Vancouver on Saturday night, killing at least nine people and injuring over 20 others. The suspect, a 30-year-old Vancouver man, was detained by attendees before police arrested him. Authorities have ruled out terrorism but are investigating whether mental health issues played a role. 

The incident occurred around 8 p.m. local time during the Lapu Lapu Day Festival, an annual event in British Columbia honoring an Indigenous Filipino leader who resisted Spanish colonization. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the vehicle struck attendees, with one comparing it to a "war zone."

Kris Pangilinan (eyewitness), a journalist present at the festival, told authorities, "A car driver just slammed the pedal down and rammed into hundreds of people. It was like seeing a bowling ball hit—all the pins flying up in the air."

Vancouver Police confirmed the suspect acted alone and was known to law enforcement "in certain circumstances." Interim Chief Steve Rai stated the investigation, led by the Major Crime Section, is ongoing.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described the attack as "deeply heart-breaking," confirming nine fatalities and more than 20 injuries, while Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he was "completely shattered" and offered his deepest sympathies to the Filipino-Canadian community; festival organizers Filipino BC expressed devastation in an Instagram statement, calling the tragedy "senseless."

(Note: This news is based on a report from International Media, published on 27/04/2025)

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Credits: BCCI, ICC

Dubai, March 4, 2025 – In a thrilling encounter at the Dubai International Stadium, India defeated Australia by four wickets to advance to the ICC Champions Trophy final. Chasing a target of 265, India reached 267 for 6 with 11 balls to spare, showcasing resilience and strategic prowess. 

Match Overview

Australia, opting to bat first after winning the toss, posted a total of 264 runs. Captain Steve Smith led the innings with a commendable 73, while wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey contributed a swift 61. India's bowling attack, spearheaded by Mohammed Shami (3 for 48) and supported by spinners Ravindra Jadeja (2 for 40) and Varun Chakravarthy (2 for 49), effectively curtailed Australia's momentum. 

In response, India faced early setbacks but stabilized through a pivotal partnership between Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. Kohli's 84 anchored the chase, while Iyer added a valuable 45. KL Rahul's unbeaten 42 ensured India's progression to the final, sealing the victory with a six off Glenn Maxwell. 

Credits: BCCI, ICC

Key Moments

  • Australian Innings: After losing opener Travis Head early, Australia rebuilt with a 72-run partnership between Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. Carey's aggressive approach in the latter stages propelled Australia to a competitive total. 

  • Indian Bowling: Shami's disciplined bowling earned him three crucial wickets, while Jadeja and Chakravarthy's spin restricted Australia's middle order, preventing a late surge. 

  • Indian Chase: Despite early losses, Kohli's experience and composure steadied the innings. His partnerships with Iyer and later with Rahul were instrumental in navigating the chase under pressure. 

Quotes

Reflecting on the match, Kohli remarked, "Chasing under pressure requires clarity and intent. Our plan was to build partnerships and capitalize on scoring opportunities, which we executed well." 

Australian captain Steve Smith acknowledged India's performance, stating, "We were aiming for a higher total, but credit to India's bowlers for their discipline. Kohli's innings made the difference in the chase." 

Credits: BCCI, ICC

Implications

This victory propels India into the Champions Trophy final, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand. The final is scheduled for Sunday in Dubai. 

Conclusion

India's blend of experienced batting and strategic bowling has set the stage for an exciting finale. As they await their opponent, the team's focus will be on maintaining momentum and clinching their first 50-over title since 2013.

For a detailed scorecard and match statistics, visit ESPN Cricinfo.

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