Many people pour old aquarium water straight down the drain without thinking twice. It looks cloudy, smells faintly earthy, and feels used up. But to gardeners, that same water is often treated like a small gift. Aquarium water carries traces of life that plants understand well. Not in a dramatic way, and not as a miracle cure, but as something quietly useful. It comes from a closed system where fish, plants, bacteria, and food interact every day. When that water is removed during a routine tank change, it still holds nutrients and minerals that soil plants recognise. For gardeners who already keep fish, reusing aquarium water is less about clever hacks and more about noticing what is already there and letting it go somewhere else instead of disappearing.

Aquarium water isn’t waste, it’s a hidden nutrient boost for plants

According to a study published on MDPI, aquarium water builds up nutrients over time. Fish waste, uneaten food, and plant debris break down into forms plants can use. Nitrogen is the most important of these. In tanks, ammonia from fish waste is converted by bacteria into nitrites and then nitrates. Ammonia and nitrite are dangerous for fish, which is why water changes matter, but nitrate is much safer and happens to be a nutrient plants rely on for leafy growth. When aquarium water is poured onto garden soil, the nitrogen enters a different cycle. Soil microbes and plant roots take it up slowly. It is diluted, spread out, and rarely strong enough to burn plants when used sensibly.

Nutrients dissolved in aquarium water

Beyond nitrogen, aquarium water often contains small amounts of phosphorus and potassium, both essential plant nutrients. These come mainly from fish food and organic matter breaking down. Trace elements such as iron may also be present, especially in planted tanks. Water hardness plays a role, too. Calcium and magnesium dissolved in the water can benefit soil structure and plant health, particularly in pots or raised beds where minerals wash out over time. The water’s pH is usually stable due to carbonate buffering, which means it is unlikely to shock garden soil when used occasionally. It is not fertiliser in a measured sense, but it is not plain water either.

Aquarium water is safe for plants

Most garden plants respond well to aquarium water, especially leafy vegetables, houseplants, herbs, and ornamental plants. It is best used on soil rather than sprayed on leaves. The water can contain microorganisms, and while these are usually harmless, keeping moisture on leaves is rarely helpful. Avoid using aquarium water on plants that prefer very dry or low-nutrient soil. Succulents and cacti may not appreciate the extra nutrients. Saltwater aquarium water should not be used at all, as salinity can damage soil and roots. Freshwater tanks without added chemicals are the safest choice. If medication was recently used in the aquarium, it is better to discard that water.

Organic matter helps garden soil

Aquarium water often contains fine suspended solids. Tiny particles of organic matter cloud the water slightly. In the aquarium, too much of this is a problem. In soil, it becomes food. Microorganisms break it down, improving soil life and structure. This can help sandy soils retain moisture and support beneficial bacteria. The oxygen demand of this organic matter is not an issue once diluted in open soil. What matters is that it adds something living and active, rather than sterile. Over time, this can gently improve soil health, especially in pots where soil biology tends to be limited.

How should aquarium water be used in the garden

The simplest approach is the best one. Use aquarium water during regular watering, pouring it directly onto the soil at the base of plants. There is no need to store it for long periods. Freshly removed water is fine. Use it occasionally, not every time you water. Think of it as a supplement rather than a routine. Plants respond slowly, not instantly. There will be no dramatic change overnight. Leaves may look a little fuller over time. Soil may hold together slightly better. The benefit is quiet and cumulative. For many gardeners, the appeal lies as much in wasting less as in growing more.

Dhurandhar’, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna in lead roles, has continued its golden run at the ticket windows. The film, that is in its fifth week, continued to maintain a steady grip over the box office, seeing only a minor dip in numbers as per early estimates.Dhurandhar Movie Review

‘Dhurandhar’ box office collection Day 34

A report on sacnilk states that the film earned an estimated Rs 4.25 crore on Day 34, its fifth Wednesday at the box office. The Hindi version recorded an overall 10.69 per cent occupancy, even a month after its release. The film that has been on a record-breaking run at the box office, scored the highest fifth week collections in just the weekend. The film beat ‘Chhaava’s Rs 30 crore record by earning an estiamted Rs 33.25 crore net in just 3 days. Monday saw the film face a dip in numbers, earning around Rs 4.75 crore. It maintained its graph on Tuesday, earning another Rs 4.75 crore. With Wednesday’s collections, the film’s total net collection for week 5 has hit an estimated Rs 47 crore.

‘Dhurandhar’ week-wise collections

The film’s week-wise India nett collections stand as follows:Week 1: Rs 207.25 croreWeek 2: Rs 253.25 croreWeek 3: Rs 172 croreWeek 4: Rs 106.5 croreWeek 5: Rs 47 croreWhile the film has managed to surpass the Rs 100 crore mark for the past few weeks, this will be the first time that the movie will only hit the Rs 50 crore net milestone.

‘Dhurandhar’ total gross collections

By the end of Day 34, Dhurandhar has amassed a net total collection of Rs 786 crore nett in India. The film’s gross total collections on the other hand, have hit an estimated Rs 943 crore. With an additional Rs 284 crore coming in from overseas markets, the film has now hit a gross total collection of Rs 1227 crore.

‘Dhurandhar’ becomes No 1 Hindi film

‘Dhurandhar’ on Wednesday, officially became the highest-earning film in a single language (Hindi). As per box office data released by the producers, its total India nett collection climbed to Rs 831.40 crore, thus surpassing the Hindi lifetime business of Allu Arjun’s ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’, which had earned around Rs 830 crore nett. With this, the film also made its way past the other top-grossing Hindi films including Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Jawan’ which earned Rs 643 crore and the horror-comedy ‘Stree 2’ that raked in an estimated Rs 627 crore.‘Dhurandhar’ box office collection day 34: The Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna starrer slows down after becoming the highest grossing Indian film, holds better than ‘Ikkis’ and ‘Tu Meri Main Tera’

‘Dhurandhar’ claims box office victory

The makers of ‘Dhurandhar’ also released an official statement that read, “History has been rewritten. With Tuesday’s collections, Dhurandhar has officially risen to become the highest-earning Hindi film of all time, a towering achievement that has redefined Indian box office success.”Yash Raj Films also congratulated the team, calling the film’s success a “milestone moment in Indian cinema”.

SANTINIKETAN: The age gap between Nobel laureate Amartya Sen and his late mother, Amita Sen, is around 19-and-a-half years. But on Wednesday, an SIR hearing notice reached his Santiniketan house, Pratichi, because the EC found that the age difference was below 15 years.As per the 2025 SIR draft roll, the age of Amartya Sen is 92. On the 2002 voter list, the age of his mother, Amita Sen, was 88. Twenty-three years back, Sen was 69, and the age difference between mother and son was 19 years, not less than 15 years as claimed by the EC.Gitikantha Majumdar, who is in charge of maintaining Sen’s Pratichi home and also takes care of all his official matters, said: “The SIR notice states that there is less than 15 years’ age difference between Amartya Kumar Sen and his mother. But the actual age difference is 19-and-a-half years. I do not know how they (EC) issued this notice. He (Sen) was asked to provide information on Jan 16. This is a deliberate act of harassment.“Majumdar said that as Sen was in the USA now, the election officials would visit his house at Santiniketan on Jan 16, and a representative on behalf of Sen would show the relevant documents to resolve the discrepancy. On Wednesday, EC officials, including ERO Tania Roy and BLO Sombrata Mukherjee, visited Pratichi and handed the notice to his cousin, Shantabhanu Sen, who stays next door. Shantabhanu said: “They said there were some errors in the information (provided in the SIR). This summons was meant to harass Amartya Sen.” The Bengal CEO in a statement on X said: “The enumeration form of Amartya Sen, an overseas elector, was received by his family member Shantabhanu Sen, who linked him with his mother Amita Sen. Since the age difference between the elector and his mother was less than 15 years, logical discrepancy was flagged by the ERO Net Portal. Notice was generated for Sen in parity with the other discrepancy cases. Since the elector is aged 85 plus, ERO/AERO along with BLO visited his residence and completed the formalities.” Sen became a voter and, in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, cast his vote at the Visva Bharati Staff Club polling station. On the 2026 SIR draft list, Sen’s name was mentioned as Part 274, Serial 169, as Prabasi Bharatiya (non-resident Indian).

Mastiii 4 has come under legal scrutiny after popular content creator Ashish Sharma approached the Delhi High Court, flagging similarities between a comedy sequence in the film and his viral Instagram reel that clocked over 11 million views.As per Live Law, Ashish contended that a scene in the film closely resembles his reel titled “Shaq Karne Ka Nateeja”, which he shared in January 2024. In his petition, the creator claimed that the idea, narrative flow, character dynamics, and punchline in the film mirror his original content, raising concerns over unauthorised use.In his plea, Ashish Sharma has sought a permanent injunction, monetary relief, and a detailed statement of profits, arguing that his work was used without permission or acknowledgement.The plea comes at a crucial time, with the film reportedly nearing its OTT release.

Court issues notice, allows makers to respond

Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, hearing the matter, took note of the film’s release timeline while considering the request for urgent relief. The court issued a notice to the producers, observing that they should be given an opportunity to place their response on record before any interim directions are passed.The judge noted that a short notice period was appropriate given the circumstances. The matter is expected to be taken up next on January 13, 2026.

Mixed theatrical response for the film

Released theatrically on November 21, 2025, Mastiii 4 witnessed a modest box-office performance, earning approximately Rs 19.25 crore worldwide, according to Sacnilk.The legal development unfolds just days ahead of the film’s expected digital premiere on January 16.Mastiii 4 brings back the franchise’s core trio — Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, and Aftab Shivdasani — alongside Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Nargis Fakhri, Elnaaz Norouzi, Ruhi Singh, Shreya Sharma, and Shaad Randhawa. Produced by A Jhunhunwala, Ekta Kapoor, and Indra Kumar, the Masti franchise has previously seen success with Grand Masti and Great Grand Masti.

US secretary of state Marco Rubio on Wednesday announced that he will be meeting officials in Denmark next week.“I’ll be meeting with them next week,” Rubio told news agency APThe demand for Greenland is not a hidden fact. Earlier, the Danish PM said that if the United States decided to attack another Nato country, which is Greenland, then everything would stop, including Nato.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Monday said that the Greenland takeover means the end of the Nato military alliance, DW reported.Frederiksen said that “everything would stop” when it comes to cooperation with Washington in the event of a US attack on another Nato member.“If the United States decides to attack another Nato country, then everything would stop — that includes Nato and therefore post-World War II security,” Frederiksen said.Trump’s “love-hate” for NatoTrump, from the very beginning, has made its clear about his intentions. Trump’s long-standing scepticism of Nato — from scolding “delinquent” allies to questioning whether America should defend Europe at all — has already rattled capitals across the continent. A recent summit papered over the cracks with higher defence pledges and flattery, but the fissures never really closed.During the 2024 election campaign, Donald Trump said he would not protect “delinquent” Nato members that did not meet the then target of spending 2% of GDP on defence. His defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, emphasised in February that the US was no longer “primarily focused” on defending Europe, as per the Guardian.The comments provoked alarm in Europe, but diplomacy ahead of June’s Nato summit appeared to have eased the problem. Nato allies, except Spain, agreed to lift defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, following comments by secretary general Mark Rutte, who called the US president “daddy”.While it seems that Trump has no interest in Nato, voila! new thing happened. In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump said that the US will always be there for Nato, even if they won’t be there for the country.“Remember, for all of those big Nato fans, they were at 2% GDP, and most weren’t paying their bills, UNTIL I CAME ALONG. The USA was, foolishly, paying for them! I, respectfully, got them to 5% GDP, AND THEY PAY, immediately. Everyone said that couldn’t be done, but it could, because, beyond all else, they are all my friends. Without my involvement, Russia would have ALL OF UKRAINE right now. Remember, also, I single-handedly ENDED 8 WARS, and Norway, a Nato Member, foolishly chose not to give me the Noble Peace Prize. But that doesn’t matter! What does matter is that I saved Millions of Lives,” he said in a post.Greenland crisis puts Nato’s red lines to the testEurope’s postwar security order faces a potential breaking point if the United States moves to annex Greenland in 2026. European leaders increasingly believe the Trump White House is seriously considering such a step, framing it as a matter of Arctic security while quietly exploring diplomatic, legal and economic pathways to assert control. For Europe, the stakes go far beyond Greenland’s 57,000 residents: a US annexation of Nato territory would shatter the assumption that Washington remains a reliable ally rather than a predatory power. Yet Europe’s response options are painfully limited. The continent is still deeply dependent on US military capabilities, intelligence and nuclear deterrence, and its rearmament drive will take years to mature. That dependence has already been exploited, most notably when Europe accepted punitive trade tariffs to avoid provoking a US withdrawal from Ukraine and Nato. Greenland now looks like a replay of the same coercive playbook, Times magazine reported.US officials argue Denmark cannot adequately secure the Arctic against Russia and China, but European leaders counter that existing Nato frameworks already give Washington extensive military access. This fuels suspicion that the real objective is territorial expansion rather than security.What will happen to Nato if US took Greenland?Nato’s membership might not change even if the US took Greenland, as the treaty had no clear provision for expelling a country. Its preamble committed the US and other allies “to live in peace with all peoples and all governments” and “to safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilisation of their peoples”, wording once intended for use against a member that became communist during the Cold War.One alliance member turning on another, even over an Arctic territory with a population of less than 60,000, would undermine the credibility of the 76-year-old military alliance intended to ensure peace and mutual protection across Europe and the North Atlantic.Marion Messmer, a director at the Chatham House thinktank, said the latest threats had already caused damage at a time when the Russian menace felt more real, even as Moscow remained heavily embroiled in Ukraine. “If any European states harbour any illusions they can rely on US security guarantees, then this is the wake-up call we are not returning to that world,” Messmer said.