Amid sweltering October heat in Mumbai, Uddhav Thackeray turns up the heat against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, hinting obliquely about Nuremberg-like trials once the wheels of electoral fortune change.
Smriti Mandhana takes over the captaincy of the Indian women's cricket team after Harmanpreet Kaur's resignation. The article discusses the timing of this elevation for Mandhana, who is considered the country's best batter, and the history of leadership transitions within the team, highlighting potential challenges and the team's aspirations for major tournament victories.
Smriti Mandhana has been appointed captain of the Indian women's cricket team for both T20I and ODI formats, with Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma named vice-captains respectively. This follows Harmanpreet Kaur's decision to step down. The squads for the upcoming home series against Zimbabwe have also been announced, featuring new inclusions and notable exclusions due to injury.
The Indian women's hockey team defeated defending champions China 1-0 in the Asian Games final, securing a gold medal and an automatic qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Coach Sjoerd Marijne credited the team's disciplined defence, tireless running, and collective effort for the historic victory.
The second season of the Archery Premier League (APL) is set to begin in Hyderabad on Thursday, featuring Olympic medallists and recent Asian Games stars. The six-team franchise competition will host leading recurve and compound archers from India and abroad, running from October 8 to 18 with a unique faster shooting format.
Industry experts advocate for India to develop its own artificial intelligence (AI) safety framework, distinct from US or EU models, to address unique challenges like deepfakes and cyberattacks. They call for a comprehensive commitment involving all stakeholders and a hybrid regulatory approach combining voluntary and binding measures, as the Indian government also considers new AI regulations.
India's head coach Craig Fulton expressed relief after the defending champions secured a dramatic 4-3 victory against Pakistan in the Asian Games hockey semifinal. Despite leading 3-0, India allowed Pakistan to equalise before clinching a late winner. Fulton highlighted defensive lapses, missed opportunities, and a loss of composure, stressing the need for improvement before the final.
Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton has stated that China is not prepared to back India's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. He highlighted that any expansion of permanent membership would require a UN Charter amendment, which China could veto. Bolton also discussed the broader institutional challenges facing the UN and suggested that regime change in Iran is crucial for long-term stability in West Asia, linking Houthi attacks to Iran's "ring of fire" strategy.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has invited India, Germany, Qatar, and Turkiye, among others, to present their bids for hosting the 2036 Olympic Games to its Future Host Commission next month. Ahmedabad is India's preferred city for the mega-event, with negotiations led by the Indian Olympic Association in collaboration with the Gujarat government and Union Sports Ministry. The host will be announced in mid-2029, following a streamlined selection process focusing on venue master-plan, funding, public support, and athlete experience.
Former national badminton coach Prakash Padukone expressed disappointment over India's performance at the recent Asian Games, where the country secured only a team bronze.
Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt has clarified his controversial "can't feel that peace in India" remarks made on the Shekhar Tonite show, stating they were part of a scripted, humorous conversation and not intended to offend. He explained his comments were in the spirit of 'Gandhigiri' from his 'Munna Bhai' films, promoting love and togetherness.
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has suspended the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) from December 1 due to a prolonged governance crisis, stemming from the dissolution of EFI's executive committee by the Delhi High Court and the absence of fresh elections. This suspension bars Indian riders, officials, and horses from international competitions until new elections are held and evaluated by the FEI.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has publicly acknowledged India's intensified diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict, engaging directly with both Kyiv and Moscow. India is focusing on critical issues like Black Sea shipping safety, grain exports, and energy supplies, moving beyond its previous advocacy role. Jaishankar also highlighted India's historical ties with Russia and discussed the evolving global geopolitical landscape, including the repositioning of the US and the rise of China.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Chris Dehring has vehemently criticised the existing revenue model for bilateral cricket series, highlighting that the West Indies receive no financial benefit from their lucrative ongoing white-ball engagement with India.
Indian football team head coach Khalid Jamil has strongly defended his decision to drop several established players for upcoming high-profile friendlies against Brazil, Uruguay, and Panama. Jamil stated that selections were based purely on merit and performance, part of a long-term strategy to build a team for the 2027 Asian Cup qualification. He also praised former captain Sunil Chhetri but ruled out his return.
The Supreme Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to comply with its previous order to identify land for establishing Navodaya Vidyalayas in each district of the state, emphasising cooperative federalism and urging a change in mindset regarding the central government's education policy.
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has suspended the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) from December 1, 2026, due to a prolonged governance crisis. This decision, made on October 13, 2026, means Indian riders, officials, trainers, and horses cannot participate in international competitions. The suspension stems from the Delhi High Court's dissolution of EFI's executive committee in February 2026 and the subsequent delay in holding fresh elections, despite an ad hoc committee being formed. The suspension will be reviewed after new elections are held and evaluated by the FEI.
India's services sector experienced its strongest growth in three months in September, with the HSBC India Services PMI Business Activity Index rising to 55.2, driven by a sharp increase in new orders and strengthening domestic demand.
India's Russian crude oil imports reached a five-month low in September, dropping to 1.75 million barrels per day, as Indian refiners strategically diversify their energy supplies amidst evolving geopolitical landscapes and robust domestic demand, according to ship tracking data.
Brazil's head coach Carlo Ancelotti praised India's defensive organisation and counter-attacking efforts despite his team's 4-0 victory in a friendly match in Kolkata. Ancelotti highlighted India's ability to create difficult moments for Brazil and used the match as an opportunity to assess young Brazilian talent, expressing satisfaction with their performance during the international window.
India's spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has indicated that Ravindra Jadeja's prospects for the 2027 ODI World Cup are strong, with his all-round skills being a crucial factor. The team is actively assessing various spin options, including Axar Patel, and using current series to experiment with combinations and fine-tune the squad for the upcoming showpiece event in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that the world is entering an age of flux marked by conflicts and tariff volatility, requiring India to respond effectively to these challenges. He reiterated India's consistent stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy, and highlighted India's efforts to engage with both sides. Jaishankar also emphasised India's role in championing the voice of the Global South and navigating complex strategic partnerships in a multi-aligned world.
'India should not trade away its energy security for temporary tariff relief. Neither signing a trade agreement nor stopping Russian oil purchases can protect it from future US action.'
Mumbai has announced its 16-member squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy Elite Group D match against Himachal Pradesh, featuring Suryansh Shedge and Angkrish Raghuvanshi. The team will see significant changes in its top order and overall composition due to injuries to vice-captain Ayush Mhatre and Shardul Thakur, as well as Yashasvi Jaiswal's commitment to the India 'A' team. Raghuvanshi and Divyaansh Saxena are expected to form a new opening partnership.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter has revealed plans to utilise explosive batter Finn Allen in a middle-order role during the upcoming ODI series against India.
Indian rowers Satnam Singh and Salman Khan secured a historic bronze medal in the men's double sculls at the Asian Games, marking India's first-ever medal in this event. Despite the achievement, both athletes expressed mixed feelings due to last-minute crew changes that they believe affected their performance. The bronze was a saving grace for the Indian team, which otherwise delivered one of its worst Asian Games rowing performances, equalling previous low tallies. The controversy surrounding team selections and the impact of weather disruptions on the competition schedule were also highlighted.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved the use of pink balls in day-time Test matches on a trial basis, aiming to mitigate the frequent loss of overs due to fading light in the final session. This decision, applicable to series starting from October 1, allows for mutual agreement between teams to use the pink ball for the entire duration of a Test.
A CII white paper released Thursday outlines a strategy for India's media and entertainment sector to achieve a USD 100 billion valuation by the early 2030s, requiring an annual growth rate of 15 per cent and significant policy reforms. The paper identifies key areas for growth, including broadcasting reform, anti-piracy measures, and investment in regional markets.
South Africa, reeling from a 214-run defeat in the first Test against Australia, is determined to level the series in the second Test starting Sunday in Gqeberha. The hosts are expected to make several team changes, including the return of paceman Kagiso Rabada, as they look to overcome batting fragilities exposed in the previous match. Australia, despite their dominant win, might consider workload management for their fast bowlers amidst forecasts of persistent rain.
India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has amended its Unified Licence Agreement, allowing caller identification to include the subscriber's registered name from November 1, 2026, a move aimed at enhancing transparency and potentially curbing spam calls.
'We didn't complain, we didn't give any reason,' said Shreyas Iyer after India overcame a disrupted build-up to beat Pakistan and win Asian Games gold.
The Indian government has approved the sale of a 60.72 per cent stake in IDBI Bank Ltd to Canadian billionaire Prem Watsa's Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd for approximately 52,878 crore, a move that reflects improving India-Canada ties and marks a significant turning point for the bank.
Indian archers returned from the Asian Games with a historic haul of 5 gold medals, 2 Olympic quotas, and other medals, celebrating their success and triumphs over global powerhouse South Korea. Coaches and athletes expressed elation, crediting rigorous training, teamwork, and a supportive ecosystem for their unprecedented performance.
A two-day weekend would help employees recover physically and mentally. They would return better prepared for branch work that demands patience, judgment, and accuracy, asserts Tamal Bandyopadhyay.
Former West Bengal Chief Minister's faction has announced support for the Congress candidate in the Nandigram assembly bypoll, marking a significant shift in state politics. This move comes amidst an internal party dispute within the Trinamool Congress and is seen as an attempt to consolidate anti-BJP votes and strengthen the INDIA bloc, despite a history of acrimonious rivalry between the two parties.
India trap coach Peter Wilson explains his wild medal pledges after Neeru Dhanda's Asian Games gold, recalling his bald-headed celebration in 2025.
Tata Trusts, India's largest philanthropic group, disbursed Rs 1,556.31 crore in the year to March 2026 and announced plans to establish a network of 40 to 50 not-for-profit general hospitals, with funding from paying patients supporting care for those who cannot afford it.
Dwayne Bravo says ODI cricket could soon see 500-run totals as batters dominate, while Chris Gayle welcomes the fearless approach of the new generation.
Chola Chiefs, already out of playoff contention, defeated defending champions Rajputana Royals 5-3 in the Archery Premier League Season 2. This loss jeopardises the Royals' chances of defending their title, leaving them with eight points and one match remaining. Chiefs' victory was attributed to a tactical change in their shooting order, with archers like Alejandra Usquiano and Rajat Chauhan playing crucial roles.
India's Asian Games campaign looked bleak in Nagoya. A slow medal start saw the country slip to around 12th, before a late surge took India back to fourth with 85 medals.
