Offbeat

Professor VN Parthiban from Chennai has achieved an extraordinary milestone by earning over 150 degrees in various disciplines, including law, management, and literature. His insatiable love for learning has made him one of the world’s most educated individuals. Still teaching university students, Parthiban says education gives him purpose, urging youth to pursue knowledge rather than credentials. His intellectual journey demonstrates how passion and persistence can redefine academic boundaries.

A viral video from India shows a man astonishing viewers by transforming a train toilet into a makeshift bedroom, igniting a firestorm of commentary around public hygiene, safety, and digital creativity. Netizens are divided about whether the bold act is harmless fun or an alarming disregard for travel norms. Rail officials issued reminders on proper use of amenities, while the video quickly racked up millions of views and inspired copycats. This episode highlights both the power and pitfalls of viral content in today’s interconnected age and prompts calls for better travel awareness.

A court in western Turkey fined a man for emotional abuse after it was revealed during divorce proceedings that he had labeled his ex-wife’s number as "Tombik" (Chubby) and sent her threatening messages. The court ruled on emotional and economic violence, ordering compensation to the woman and sparking social media debate about respect and digital abuse.

An Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage caused chaos for Indian tech workers celebrating Diwali, disrupting thousands of services reliant on AWS infrastructure. Many professionals shared funny and frustrated posts online, saying they were called into emergency work shifts. The outage led to temporary shutdowns in e-commerce, fintech, and OTT platforms across India, sparking conversations about overreliance on cloud systems.

A Bengaluru resident’s attempt to fix a pothole himself turned disappointing after heavy rain and traffic undid his repair within hours. Frustrated, he shared the incident online showing before-and-after images that went viral. The video sparked debate about civic responsibility and the inefficiency of local authorities in addressing road infrastructure woes across the city.

An American Airlines flight operated by SkyWest made an unexpected emergency landing in Nebraska after its pilots feared a hijacking attempt. A malfunctioning intercom caused miscommunication between the cockpit and crew, leading the pilots to believe someone was trying to break in. The plane landed without injuries, and officials later confirmed a technical issue was to blame for the confusion that briefly alarmed passengers and crew during the routine flight.

In the US, authorities charged parents with child neglect after leaving their six-month-old daughter unattended on a beach. The incident raised concerns about child safety and parental responsibility. Police intervened after public reports. Legal experts warn of the serious consequences of negligence, emphasizing the importance of supervision for infants. The case has triggered public discussion on social media regarding child welfare and preventive measures to avoid endangerment.

Mumbai Police returned 800 stolen mobile phones to their rightful owners as a “special Diwali return gift.” The initiative aimed to restore stolen property and encourage civic cooperation. Police organized verification and documentation processes to ensure secure handover. The act was widely appreciated on social media, highlighting law enforcement efforts in community service. Citizens praised the initiative, which also served to raise awareness about reporting theft and engaging responsibly with authorities.

A Bengaluru resident’s viral post showing a massive pothole flooded social media with laughter and frustration. Captioned “Road is only 2%,” the photo captured the city’s crumbling infrastructure. Netizens tagged civic authorities demanding action, reigniting debate on poor road quality, monsoon neglect, and accountability of city administrators just ahead of festive traffic peaks.

Indian trains traditionally mark the last coach with an ‘X’ to help identify train length and monitor for safety and security. This practice aids station staff and railway personnel in managing operations, ensuring all coaches are accounted for during arrival and departure. The mark also assists passengers in locating the position relative to platforms, providing operational efficiency and safety assurance on the extensive Indian railway network.