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India cut Russian oil imports by 50%? After Trump, White House makes big claim; refiners await clarity

Indian refiners are reportedly set to halve their Russian oil imports, a White House official stated. However, Indian sources suggest this reduction hasn't materialized yet, with December/January data expected to show any change. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs denied any recent conversation between PM Modi and US President Trump regarding this matter, emphasizing India's consumer-centric energy policy.

International Sawfish Day 2025: 6 Interesting Facts About These Carpenter Sharks

October 17 is recognised as International Sawfish Day, a day dedicated to one of the ocean’s most unusual and fascinating residents, sawfish. With their long snouts lined like a saw, these striking creatures capture attention and curiosity wherever they roam. International Sawfish Day highlights their importance to healthy seas and serves as a call to action, not just for scientists, but for everyone, to notice, learn about, and care for these incredible water animals. Here are some interesting facts about sawfish that you should know: ALSO READ: The Art Of Leather: Five Essential Rituals For Climate-Conscious Care Sawfish Are Rays Despite their shark-like shape, sawfish actually belong to the ray family. Unlike most rays, they have caudal fins, which they use to propel themselves through the water. Their bodies are flattened, but not as much as other rays like the eagle ray, giving them a distinctive profile. This unique combination of traits allows sawfish to navigate both shallow coastal waters and deeper regions with ease. Five Different Species Of Sawfish For years, marine biologists debated how many sawfish species existed. A consensus was finally reached in 2013, confirming five living species divided into two genera. These include the largetooth sawfish, smalltooth sawfish, dwarf sawfish, green sawfish, and narrow sawfish. While the narrow sawfish belongs to the genus Anoxypristis, the other four fall under the Pristis genus.  Sawfish Are Not Sawsharks Or Swordfish Sawfish are often mistaken for sawsharks or swordfish, but these are entirely different species. Sawsharks inhabit much deeper waters and have extended rostrums, yet they are rarely encountered by humans. Swordfish also possess elongated head appendages, but unlike sawfish, these 'swords' lack teeth and are not flattened. Recognising these differences is crucial for understanding and protecting sawfish populations. The Sawfish’s Saw The most iconic feature of the sawfish is its 'saw,' which is an extension of the skull made of cartilage covered in skin. Each edge of the saw is lined with rostral teeth, giving it the characteristic saw-like appearance. The saw also houses sensory organs called ampullae of Lorenzini, enabling sawfish to detect the electric impulses of their prey. Remarkably, they use their saws both to swipe through schools of fish in open water and to pin prey against the seabed, demonstrating their clever hunting strategies. Sawfish Are Among The World’s Largest Fish Sawfish are among the ocean’s largest fish, with some species reaching impressive lengths. The largetooth, smalltooth, and green sawfish can grow up to six meters, with occasional reports of seven-meter specimens. The dwarf and narrow sawfish are smaller, averaging just over three meters. Their size, combined with their unique saw, makes them both awe-inspiring and vulnerable in the wild. Sawfish In Freshwater Some sawfish, particularly the largetooth sawfish, venture into freshwater environments. Sightings have been reported in places like Lake Nicaragua and over 830 miles up the Amazon River. Young largetooth sawfish spend their early years in freshwater habitats, whereas other species like the smalltooth, green, and dwarf sawfish prefer saltier waters. This adaptability plays a crucial role in their life cycle and survival.

Rajat: SRK, Aryan held Lakshmi pooja before Ba***ds of Bollywood

Actor Rajat Bedi recently spoke about Shah Rukh Khan and his son Aryan Khan's bond. Bedi witnessed their interaction during a pooja for Aryan's directorial debut. He also recalled visiting Mannat for a trailer preview. Bedi shared fond memories of his past association with Shah Rukh Khan, highlighting their deep conversations. Aryan's debut series is receiving positive reviews.

Dude to break Dragon's record as Pradeep's biggest day 1 collection

Pradeep Ranganathan's latest film, Dude, is poised for a massive opening, potentially surpassing his previous hits like Dragon and Love Today. Advance bookings indicate a strong performance, with the film already crossing USD 100K in North America. This success could solidify Pradeep's position as a rising star in Tamil cinema, especially as the industry seeks new box office leaders.

Diwali 2025: 10 Traditional Sweets You Can Make In 30 Minutes Or Less For Your Guests

Diwali 2025 is around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with sweets that are quick to make yet steeped in tradition? This festive season, impress your guests with 10 delicious Indian desserts that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less. No matter is you're a novice or a seasoned cook, these sweets will definitely elevate your Diwali celebrations. Let’s dive into these festive treats that combine tradition, taste, and speed. ALSO READ: Hosting A Diwali Party? Try These 10 Must-Have Starters For Guests 1. Kaju Katli (Image Source: Pinterest/madhuseverydayindian) Kaju Katli is a classic Diwali sweet that's loved across India. Made primarily with cashew nuts and sugar, this diamond-shaped treat is creamy, nutty, and melts in the mouth. To prepare, you need to grind cashews into a fine powder and mix with sugar syrup. Add a few drops of rose water and little cardamom for fragrance. Roll the mixture into a smooth dough, flatten it, and cut into diamonds. This sweet is not only visually stunning but also quick, ready in about 25–30 minutes. 2. Coconut Ladoo (Image Source: Pinterest/cookiliciousveg) Coconut Ladoos are rich, aromatic, and require minimal ingredients. Desiccated coconut, condensed milk, and a hint of cardamom create a sweet that’s soft and chewy. Roast the coconut lightly in a pan to enhance its natural flavour, then mix with condensed milk and cook until the mixture thickens. Roll the mixture into small balls and garnish with slivers of almond or pistachio for a festive look. These ladoos are naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making them a healthy and quick sweet option for Diwali 2025. 3. Besan Barfi (Image Source: Pinterest/sinfullyspicy) Besan barfi combines the nutty aroma of roasted gram flour with the richness of ghee. Begin by roasting besan in ghee until golden brown and aromatic, then gradually mix in sugar and a little milk to form a smooth, thick batter. Add cardamom powder for a warm fragrance. Pour the mixture into a greased tray, flatten, and allow it to set. Once cooled, cut into squares or diamonds and optionally garnish with chopped nuts. This dessert is quick to make, indulgent in taste, and a timeless Diwali favourite. 4. Malpua (Image Source: Pinterest/cookshideout) Malpua is a soft and sweet pancake that's infused with cardamom. This dessert is deep-fried to golden perfection and soaked in sugar syrup. Prepare a simple batter using flour, semolina, milk, and mashed banana or khoya for richness. Pour spoonfuls into hot ghee and fry until golden. Immediately soak in warm sugar syrup to absorb the sweetness. Serve warm with a sprinkle of chopped nuts. 5. Rava Kesari (Image Source: Pinterest/madhuseverydayindian) Rava kesari is a South Indian dessert that's vibrant, soft, and aromatic. Roast semolina in ghee until fragrant, then gradually add sugar, water, and a pinch of saffron for its characteristic orange hue. Stir it continuously to prevent lumps and cook till the mixture thickens. Garnish with cashews and raisins sauteed in ghee. This sweet can be prepared in 20-25 minutes, make it an easy, festive option. 6. Badam Barfi (Image Source: Pinterest/Ministryofcurry) Almond barfi is rich, creamy, and elegant. Soak almonds overnight, peel, and grind into a fine paste. Cook it with sugar syrup on low heat until it forms a thick mixture. Pour into a greased tray, flatten, and cut into squares. Garnish with silver foil or sliced almonds for a festive look. Ready in about 30 minutes, badam barfi is ideal for gifting or serving during the festivities. 7. Shahi Tukda (Image Source: Pinterest/aartimadan) Shahi Tukda is a royal dessert made from fried bread slices soaked in saffron-flavored milk and topped with rabri and nuts. Cut bread into triangles, fry until golden, and dip in warm saffron milk. Layer with thickened sweetened milk and garnish with pistachios, almonds, and a pinch of cardamom powder. Shahi tukda is a luxurious treat that impresses guests instantly and adds a regal touch to Diwali feasts. 8. Fruit Custard (Image Source: Pinterest/indianambrosia) Fruit custard is a refreshing, light, and colourful dessert that complements the richness of fried sweets. Boil milk, add custard powder dissolved in cold milk, and sugar, and stir until thickened. Cool slightly and mix in seasonal fruits like apple, banana, and grapes. Serve chilled for a vibrant, sweet, and healthy option. It gets ready quickly and balances out the indulgent sweets with freshness. 9. Basundi (Image Source: Pinterest/mayuri62) Basundi is a creamy, thickened milk dessert infused with cardamom and saffron. Boil full-fat milk, stir continuously until it reduces to half, then add sugar, saffron strands, and cardamom powder. Garnish with sliced almonds and pistachios. This is a rich and indulgent dessert that's ideal for Diwali feasts. Despite its richness, basundi can be prepared under 30 minutes if you use pre-thickened milk. 10. Ragi Ladoo (Image Source: Pinterest/shaluluthra6) Ragi ladoos are nutritious, wholesome, and ideal for a modern Diwali treat. Roast ragi flour in ghee until fragrant, mix with powdered jaggery and a touch of cardamom, and form into bite-sized balls. Garnish with desiccated coconut or chopped nuts for texture. These ladoos are not only healthy but quick to prepare, providing a fibre-rich option that balances the indulgent sweets table.

IPL 2026 Auction: 4 Major Signings Facing Possible Release Ft. Sanju Samson

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is perhaps the most competitive T20 franchise leagues out there. The player auction for its next season is expected to take place later this year, and it should be safe to say that quite a few teams would be planning on securing some big names. However, we might also get to see some notable releases ahead of the auction, particularly from franchises that didn't have a satisfactory outing in 2025. Here are four such players who might be released ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.  IPL 2026 Auction: Big Stars Who Might Be Released 1) Venkatesh Iyer Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) signed Venkatesh Iyer during the 2025 auctions for a massive a massive Rs 23.75 crore. Unfortunately, his outings with the bat failed to justify the price tag.  Although Iyer has been a key performer for the side in the past, KKR may look to free up space in their purse by releasing him. 2) Mitchell Starc The Delhi Capitals (DC) had a major overhaul in their squad last year, and their initial performances rendered them as one of the favorites for the title. Aussie veteran, Mitchell Starc, was one of their biggest signings, acquired for Rs 11.75 crore, and while he did pick 14 wickets in 11 matches, his economy of 10.17 did significant damage.  3) Devon Conway Devon Conway had a forgettable year with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2025, making just 156 runs in 6 matches. The 5-time champions finished at the very bottom of the table, and it goes without saying that they would be determined to turn things around in IPL 2026. Hence, Conway might be released before the auction to potentially acquire a more dynamic and consistent opening batsman. 4) Sanju Samson Sanju Samson was a part of the Asia Cup winning Indian squad, and had a decent run with the bat in the tournament, which is why he might be a surprising name to see on this list. He scored 285 runs in 9 matches for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) last year as well, but rumors have surfaced of late that the wicket keeper-batsman wants out from the franchise. If they are supposed to be true, then we could see Samson be released from the RR squad ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

Gold, silver hit record highs ahead of Dhanteras! MCX gold rates at Rs 1,30,005, silver at Rs 1,67,999; safe-haven demand fuels surge

Gold and silver prices have surged to unprecedented levels ahead of Dhanteras, driven by concerns over U.S. regional bank credit stress and a weakening dollar. Gold futures reached Rs 1,30,005 per 10 grams, while silver futures hit Rs 1,67,999 per kilogram. Experts predict further long-term gains for both precious metals.

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