
IIT Madras Tops NIRF 2025 Again; IISc Bengaluru Best University
Pointers by Naima Syed 04-Sep-2025
- IIT Madras secured the top spot overall for the 7th year and topped engineering for the 10th year.
- IISc Bengaluru was ranked the best university in India for 2025.
- IIT Mumbai achieved the third position overall and in engineering.
- The NIRF 2025 rankings also introduced new criteria for sustainable development goals (SDG), with IIT Madras and other top institutes evaluated on this parameter.
- IITs dominate the top 10 rankings, reaffirming their leadership in Indian technical education.

Trump Says U.S. Has “Lost India and Russia to Deepest, Darkest China” After SCO Summit
Pointers by Naima Syed 05-Sep-2025
- Trump said on Truth Social that “we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China” after the SCO summit in Beijing.
- This comment followed the meeting of Narendra Modi, Vladimir Putin, and Xi Jinping, showing growing unity among India, Russia, and China.
- Trump expressed concern over China’s increasing influence on these two key countries.
- He wished them a “long and prosperous future together.”
- The statement has drawn significant attention and triggered discussions about shifting global alliances.

Internet Amazed by Korean Man’s Extraordinary Watermelon Peeling Skills in Viral Video
Pointers by Naima Syed 05-Sep-2025
- A video of a Korean man peeling a large watermelon with remarkable skill and ease went viral on social media.
- The man’s technique showed smooth and quick peeling, impressing viewers with his dexterity and precision.
- The video was widely shared on Instagram and other platforms, garnering amusement and admiration from the internet community.
- Many viewers commented on the next-level skills, expressing amazement at the effortless and neat watermelon peeling.
- The viral post highlighted the creativity and talent often found in Korean street food preparation and presentation.

First Tesla Model Y Delivered in India to Maharashtra Minister
Pointers by Naima Syed 05-Sep-2025
- Tesla delivered its first Model Y from the Mumbai Bandra Kurla Complex showroom.
- Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik is the first owner, promoting EV awareness.
- Model Y prices start at ₹59.89 lakh for the Rear-Wheel Drive variant.
- Tesla has received around 600 bookings since July with deliveries limited to select cities.
- The delivery marks a key step in advancing electric vehicle adoption in India.

Ross Taylor Comes Out of Retirement to Represent Samoa in T20 World Cup Qualifiers
Pointers by Naima Syed 05-Sep-2025
- Ross Taylor, former New Zealand cricket star, has ended retirement at age 41.
- He will represent Samoa, his mother’s native country, in the T20 World Cup 2026 Asia-Pacific Qualifiers.
- Taylor is eligible to play for Samoa through his Samoan heritage and passport.
- He expressed pride in representing Samoa and his culture, calling it a huge honour.
- The comeback aims to help Samoa qualify for the T20 World Cup and share Taylor’s experience with the team.

Messi’s Emotional Brace Secures Argentina’s 3-0 Win in Final Home World Cup Qualifier
Pointers by Naima Syed 05-Sep-2025
- Messi scored two goals in his likely last home World Cup qualifier, leading Argentina to a 3-0 win over Venezuela at a packed Estadio Monumental.
- Messi received a standing ovation and emotional support from 85,000 fans, visibly moved with tears during the match build-up.
- He became the all-time top scorer in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers with 36 goals, contributing two crucial strikes.
- Lautaro Martínez added the third goal, helping Argentina maintain top position in South American qualifying.
- Messi is uncertain about playing in the 2026 World Cup, citing physical condition and rest following injury.