The Indian men's hockey team secured a dominant 16-1 victory over Sri Lanka in their second Pool A match at the Asian Games, with Jugraj Singh, Abhishek, and Dilpreet Singh each scoring hat-tricks. This win follows an earlier 13-1 triumph against Indonesia, as the team prepares for tougher challenges against South Korea and Japan.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have withdrawn nearly Rs 5,109.21 crore from Indian government securities under the fully accessible route (FAR) in just three days, driven by global uncertainty, elevated crude prices, rising US Treasury yields, and a depreciating rupee.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced he would meet US Ambassador Sergio Gor to discuss the regional situation but firmly stated he would not raise internal issues with the US representative. Abdullah emphasised that solutions to J&K's problems lie with the central government, not with foreign entities, maintaining his stance against complaining about India to foreign diplomats.
Defending champions India, currently unbeaten in the men's hockey Pool A at the Asian Games, are set to face hosts Japan in a crucial match. Both teams have won all their games, but India holds a superior goal difference. The winner of this match will secure the top spot in the pool and a direct semifinal berth, with India's forwards showing exceptional form.
Anantjeet Singh Naruka and Parinaaz Dhaliwal overcame a challenging start to secure India's first-ever bronze medal in the Asian Games skeet mixed team event. Their remarkable comeback, fueled by mutual support and a fighting spirit, culminated in a significant achievement for Indian shooting, adding to their individual medal tallies at the Games.
Indian badminton players, including PV Sindhu and Unnati Hooda, were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Asian Games individual competitions, failing to secure any medals.
The Chintan Shivir is expected to discuss the progress of government schemes, policy implementation, time management, inter-ministerial coordination, and public service delivery, among others.
The Finance Ministry has clarified that the 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, effective October 15, is not expected to increase cash transactions or cause inflation. The ministry also dismissed allegations of US pressure influencing the decision, asserting that the policy aims to promote RuPay credit cards within the UPI ecosystem, and a monitoring mechanism will ensure the MDR burden is not passed on to consumers.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif repeatedly refused to answer reporters' questions regarding Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed during his visit to the United Nations headquarters for the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Volkswagen, a long-standing but minor player in India's fiercely competitive automotive sector, is now exploring a strategic partnership with the JSW group, aiming to revitalise its market presence, enhance profitability, and potentially establish India as a key export hub for electric vehicles.
Matthew Breetzke's century led South Africa to a 67-run victory over Australia in the first ODI in Durban. Despite a strong start, Australia's chase faltered due to poor shot selection, losing nine wickets for 101 runs. South Africa posted 297/8, with Breetzke scoring 112 and Marco Jansen adding 75. Australian captain Mitch Marsh expressed disappointment over the team's inability to form partnerships.
Indian shooter Niraj Kumar, a silver medallist in the men's 50m rifle 3 positions team event at the Asian Games, shared his joy and the sacrifices he made for his sport. He recounted choosing shooting over academics, asking his parents to buy him equipment, and expressed gratitude for the support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). He also reflected on his Asian Games debut and future aspirations for an individual medal.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has strongly refuted Opposition allegations that the decision to levy a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on specific UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 was influenced by external pressure. She clarified that the decision was a professional one made by the payment ecosystem, not a government imposition or a tax on consumers, with collected funds distributed among banks and UPI entities to ensure a sustainable digital payments framework.
A report by the University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute projects approximately 15,800 additional heat-related deaths in India over the next six months due to the 'super El Nino' phenomenon. Globally, nearly 451,000 additional deaths are anticipated. Experts in India emphasize the need for swift action, including implementing Heat Action Plans and focusing on vulnerable populations, while also urging caution regarding model-based projections.
'There will be some inconvenience to people. But we have given one-month notice to the government one month ago.'
Japan inaugurated the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya with a vibrant opening ceremony that seamlessly blended advanced technology and rich cultural traditions, despite earlier organisational challenges.
Lady Shri Ram College for Women has moved classes online following the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl near the campus, raising significant safety concerns among students and the college community. Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Thank you, Dear Readers, for sharing your pictures of Lord Ganesha.
The Enforcement Directorate conducted two-day searches across Chandigarh, Punjab, and Maharashtra, seizing mobile phones, laptops, and cash. This action is part of a money laundering investigation into a "fake" call centre accused of defrauding US citizens through spam emails.
Veteran Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar have secured a medal for India in the Asian Games mixed doubles squash event by reaching the semi-finals.
Suchika Tariyal has made history by becoming India's first Asian Games medal winner in Mixed Martial Arts, securing a bronze in the women's traditional 60kg event. The 36-year-old fighter, who hails from Haryana, expressed immense joy and dedicated her medal to her family, acknowledging the financial struggles and personal sacrifices made throughout her career. Despite initially considering retirement, her performance has inspired her to continue her professional fighting journey.
Women's sports garnered 28.6 billion minutes of views in the U.S. in the first half of 2026, an 18% increase year-over-year, with advertising spend up 120% since 2022, according to a Nielsen report.
'The biggest difference between our marriage and that of our parents' generation is not simply that times have changed. It is that modern marriages require two people to continuously understand, support and adapt to each other while navigating a much more demanding world,' says Rahul Kulkarni.
Indian benchmark equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, rallied in early trade, driven by positive global market trends and easing crude oil prices, despite the US Federal Reserve's hawkish stance tempering overall sentiment. Track Sensex, Nifty on September 18.
'Eastern Ladakh set the relationship back by about 10 steps. So far, especially since Galwan, we may have taken just 4 steps forward.'
The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% fee on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants, effective October 15, sparking strong opposition from political parties and traders. Despite accusations of foreign influence and demands for a rollback, the finance ministry and top functionaries have stated there will be no reversal, citing the need for a self-sustaining digital payments ecosystem.
China has called for stronger global governance of artificial intelligence, advocating for international cooperation to develop the technology for humanity's benefit while preventing it from getting out of control. This comes amidst warnings from leading AI researchers in the US about potential existential risks, with China emphasizing both rapid development and robust safeguards, including its new AI Safety Governance Framework 3.0. The issue is expected to be a key topic in upcoming US-China talks.
French football superstar Kylian Mbappe has ended his long-standing partnership with Nike to join the rapidly expanding Swiss sportswear brand On, a move that provides On with a high-profile figure for its entry into football and marks another significant defection for the US giant.
Iran's women's kabaddi team faced immense challenges during their Asian Games preparations, including frequent camp changes due to regional conflict, psychological stress on young players, and difficulties arranging international friendly matches due to sanctions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised delegates who walked out of the United Nations General Assembly during his speech, labelling them 'moral cowards.' He also addressed rising antisemitism and accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of fostering an unsafe environment for Jewish residents.
Vanshika Dhir may be the face everyone is currently crushing on after Vibe, but her off-screen style deserves its own fan club.
Left parties have strongly condemned the government's decision to impose charges on UPI payments exceeding Rs 2,000, with CPI General Secretary D Raja alleging the move was made under "US pressure" to favour foreign payment companies. Both CPI and All India Forward Bloc demand the withdrawal of this "anti-people decision," arguing it burdens consumers and merchants while undermining UPI's role as a public digital infrastructure. They highlight concerns that the charges weaken India's digital sovereignty and serve commercial interests of foreign corporations like Visa and Mastercard.
'You cannot stop these models from getting better. There is competitive and business pressure and if the US stops then maybe China will go ahead.'
Fariba Hashimi, who disguised herself as a man and faced attacks while cycling in Afghanistan, fled to Italy and now uses her Asian Games journey to inspire women.
Fighting in Yemen has intensified as Houthi rebels advance on strategic government-held areas like Marib and Taiz, putting pressure on Saudi Arabia to respond. The conflict is also linked to wider US-Iran tensions affecting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with former US President Trump commenting on the situation.
Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, saw an early rebound after significant losses, driven by value buying, though elevated oil prices and anticipation of the US Federal Reserve's policy decision tempered gains. Track Sensex, Nifty on September 16.
A member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Coal, Mines & Steel, Sasmit Patra, highlighted the transformative potential of AI and digital technologies in making India's mining and metals sector more productive, transparent, and globally competitive. He emphasised their role in enhancing efficiency, safety, sustainability, and community engagement.
Celebrate the enduring charisma of Kareena Kapoor Khan, Bollywood's undisputed 'Pout Queen'.
Pharma major Lupin is significantly increasing its focus on biosimilars, aiming for a turnover of nearly $500 million from this segment over the next five years, driven by new product launches and expanded presence in key global markets like the US, Europe, and Japan.
Shailesh Chandra, MD and CEO of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV), stated that the uncertainty surrounding how long commodity costs will remain elevated is a greater concern for the company than the actual price increases. He noted that commodity prices have risen significantly over the past five to six months, impacting margins and necessitating faster cost-reduction efforts, though no major production or supply-side issues are currently foreseen.
