Japan's cricket captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming and all-rounder Charlie Hara-Hinze believe the upcoming historic T20 match against India on September 22 can serve as a crucial springboard for the sustained growth of cricket in Japan, a country traditionally dominated by baseball.
A US national was arrested in Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, while allegedly attempting to cross illegally into Nepal. The individual, identified as Phelan Travis Anthony, had overstayed his visa in India and was trying to evade legal proceedings.
A scientist from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology highlights how climate change, including glacial retreat, shifting precipitation patterns, and rising nighttime temperatures, is exacerbating the risk of flash floods and landslides in the Himalayas, as seen in recent disasters in Nepal and Uttarakhand.
Indian boxers, including Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain and Commonwealth Games champions, face challenging draws at the Asian Games.
India experienced a day of mixed results at the Asian Games, securing a gold medal in shooting through Suruchi Singh and Kamaljeet, and a silver in men's 10,000m with Gulveer Singh. However, a major setback occurred with the unexpected early exit of top badminton men's doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. The nation also added several bronze medals in pole vault, shot put, table tennis, and assured more in squash, pushing its total medal count to 23.
Indian athletes are set to compete across various disciplines including athletics, badminton, boxing, hockey, kabaddi, shooting, squash, swimming, and table tennis at the Asian Games on Friday, September 25. Key events include finals in athletics and shooting, along with crucial knockout stages in team sports and individual events.
Khalin Joshi has extended his lead to two shots at the inaugural Rs 1 crore Nava Raipur Open after a bogey-free four-under 30 in the second round. The Bengaluru golfer now stands at nine-under 59, showcasing consistent ball-striking despite challenging weather conditions that shortened rounds to nine holes.
Nepal has reiterated its commitment to resolving the border issue with India through diplomatic channels, emphasising historical agreements and understanding.
'Nepal today is far more aware, self-confident, aspirational, and assertive.' 'India's policy so far has not been geared to this shift. It is time to redraw our Nepal strategy.'
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has endorsed the introduction of a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, effective October 15. This move, which levies a 0.4 per cent fee on merchant payments above the threshold, aims to bolster the long-term sustainability and growth of India's digital payments ecosystem. The RBI clarified that person-to-person (P2P) transactions and small person-to-merchant (P2M) payments below Rs 2,000 will remain free for users, ensuring no direct charge on customers.
The India Junior International Grand Prix badminton tournament is set to begin in Pune, featuring 304 players from nine countries, including top junior talents like Dev Ruparelia. The event, organised by the Poona District Metropolitan Badminton Association, offers a total prize money of USD 15,000 and concludes on August 30.
A man was arrested at the India-Nepal border in Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, with over 2.30 kg of high-grade hydroponic weed worth approximately Rs 1 crore. The arrest by SSB personnel led to the accused being handed over to the Narcotics Control Bureau for further investigation into a cross-border drug network.
The Indian government has mandated that banks and payment providers cannot levy charges on UPI transactions up to Rs 2,000 or on payments made via RuPay debit cards. This directive follows an amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, aiming to sustain and expand the digital payments ecosystem.
The Telangana Golconda Masters, featuring top Indian and international golf professionals, is set to commence in Hyderabad with a prize purse of Rs 1 crore. The tournament is crucial for players aiming to qualify for the season-ending DP World India Championship.
India has firmly rejected Nepal's objection to the upcoming Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, dismissing Kathmandu's territorial claims over the region.
A high-level committee, including representatives from banks and payment associations, is set to decide on Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000 to merchants. While person-to-person and person-to-merchant transactions up to Rs 2,000 remain free, the move follows a recent amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, sparking debate and clarification from the Finance Minister that only certain high-value merchant transactions might incur charges.
Sony Sports Network has secured exclusive television broadcast rights for the upcoming three-match T20I series between India and Afghanistan, scheduled from September 13 to 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The series will feature India led by Shreyas Iyer and Afghanistan led by Ibrahim Zadran, with both teams showcasing aggressive T20 cricket. This acquisition strengthens Sony's sports portfolio and offers a platform for Afghanistan to demonstrate its talent against a top-tier team.
A recent study by scientists indicates that the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region is experiencing increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events due to climate change, including rapid glacial melting and changing rainfall patterns. However, the research also cautions against solely blaming climate change, highlighting that human factors like population growth, commercial activities, and non-enforcement of regulations contribute significantly to the vulnerability and impact of these disasters. The study points out that many devastating floods originate from small glaciers and rain-fed streams, exacerbated by encroachment on unstable slopes and floodplains.
Smriti Mandhana etched her name in the annals of cricket history, becoming the batter with the most centuries in women's international cricket while hitting the most centuries in women's international cricket in the Women's Asia Cup match against Hong Kong in Dubai on Thursday.
Japan's national cricket team, led by Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming, will play a historic one-off T20 International against India on September 22 in Sano.
Usha Vedasalam completed the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra just a week before the devastating floods in Nepal. This is her account of the pilgrimage.
'The Chinese military cannot advance much in Ladakh, even if they want to.' 'Similarly, in Arunachal Pradesh, they can rename a village or two, intrude here or there, but cannot do much more realistically.'
Sikkim has identified 40 high-hazard glacial lakes, with 16 at the highest risk of catastrophic outbursts. Following a devastating GLOF in 2023, the state is developing India's first dedicated GLOF Risk Mitigation Protocol, using advanced monitoring and interdisciplinary approaches to protect downstream settlements and serve as a model for other Himalayan regions.
Two minor girls from Nepal were rescued from an alleged human trafficking bid by police, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and an NGO in a joint operation, near the Indo-Nepal border in Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh.
Nepal Airlines has apologised for a map shared on social media that incorrectly depicted Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan, leading to a swift backlash and the removal of the post.
VVS Laxman, BCCI's Centre of Excellence chief, will coach the Indian men's cricket team at the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. He will be assisted by Sunil Joshi, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, and Subhadeep Ghosh. Gautam Gambhir, the regular head coach, will be with the senior team for the West Indies ODI series. Amol Muzumdar will continue as the head coach for the Indian women's team, who will also defend their title.
Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has surpassed Mithali Raj to become the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket across all formats, achieving this milestone with a sensational 124-run innings against Hong Kong in the Women's Asia Cup 2026. Mithali Raj congratulated Mandhana on her achievement.
Zesty, spicy, tasty recipe to try this monsoon.
'I know China will implode. It is scientifically impossible for China to control a nation through the barrel of a gun.'
India's men's and women's cricket teams are set to begin their Asian Games campaigns in Japan, both seeded directly into the quarterfinals. The teams, led by Shreyas Iyer and Harmanpreet Kaur respectively, are strong contenders for gold, having dominated the previous edition. The women's final is on September 22, and the men's on October 3.
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) is strategically expanding its international footprint by launching the Nexon, rebranded as Osprey, in South Africa, a move set to significantly boost its export volumes and solidify India's position as a major automotive export hub.
Former Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa has strongly criticised the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, labelling it an 'unfair procedure' despite its legal standing, raising concerns about mass voter deletions and the erosion of democratic trust.
Police in Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, have arrested three alleged interstate drug smugglers and seized banned narcotic tablets worth approximately Rs 1 crore near the India-Nepal border.
India has clarified its policy regarding participation in the 2027 South Asian Federation (SAF) Games in Pakistan, stating decisions will align with national sports policies and international governing bodies. While bilateral sporting engagements with Pakistan remain suspended, Indian athletes are permitted to compete in multilateral events. The government also aims to simplify visa processes to position India as a global sports hosting destination.
Oriental Insurance has insured around 100 Ganesh pandals this year compared with only 20-30 last year.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) stated that the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) "is distributed only amongst the UPI ecosystem, to further invest into infrastructure resilience, innovation, cybersecurity (protecting the UPI infrastructure with banks and non-banks) and customer service."
The government is introducing a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI person-to-merchant payments above Rs 2,000, effective October 15. This move ends the zero-MDR regime, aiming to fund UPI infrastructure and sustainability, as the previous government subsidy was insufficient to cover operational costs. Payments between individuals and most everyday merchant transactions will remain free.
NPCI International and Uzbekistan's NIPC have partnered to enable UPI payments across Uzbekistan, allowing Indian tourists, business travellers, and students to make instant merchant payments using the UZQR code. This agreement, approved by RBI and CBU, integrates UPI with Uzbekistan's national payment system, HUMO, facilitating direct P2M payments from Indian bank accounts and reducing reliance on foreign exchange or international cards.
Veteran Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja and nine other climbers are missing after an avalanche struck their expedition on Pakistan's Broad Peak. Rescue efforts are underway but are being hampered by adverse weather conditions, raising concerns for the safety of the renowned climber and his team.
PhonePe, at the Global Fintech Fest 2026, unveiled its strategic vision for the next decade, focusing on inclusive digital progress for individuals, households, and businesses across India. The roadmap details innovations in financial inclusion, wealth creation, credit access, and merchant solutions.
