Dupahiya 2 offers a chaotic yet engaging follow-up to its first season, notes Deepa Gahlot.
Soha Sadiq and Parth Aggarwal caused significant upsets at the Fenesta Open National Hard court championships by defeating higher-seeded players. Meanwhile, top seeds Manish Sureshkumar and Vaidehee Chaudhari began their campaigns with comfortable straight-sets victories, showcasing strong performances in their respective draws.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and various student organisations have called for a united protest on October 10 against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. They demand his resignation and an overhaul of the electoral system, describing the confrontation as a fight for democracy against the BJP. The groups are seeking to sustain street pressure, following a previous agitation that led to a minister's resignation.
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, clarified that former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's arrival in New Delhi two years ago was unexpected and not facilitated by the Indian military. He addressed ongoing extradition requests from the current Bangladeshi government, stating India acted out of duty during tragic circumstances in Bangladesh.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released two cheetahs, Vyom and Neera, into the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, making it the state's third cheetah habitat. This expansion is part of India's Cheetah Project, which has seen the big cat population grow to 60. The initiative aims to boost wildlife tourism and local economies, with the government also supporting villagers through revenue sharing and homestay schemes.
Prince Kurisinkal Noble and Manu Francis secured India's first-ever Asian Games silver medal in men's skiff sailing. Hailing from Kochi, their journey is deeply connected to the sea, with Noble overcoming personal tragedy after losing his fisherman father in the 2018 Kerala floods. Their decade-long partnership and debut Asian Games performance mark a significant achievement for Indian sailing.
India's Para Asian Games contingent received a formal send-off in New Delhi, with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launching the new Team India jersey. Prominent para-athletes, including flag bearer Pramod Bhagat, attended the ceremony. Mandaviya encouraged the athletes to win medals, assuring them of government support. Head coach Satyanarayana expressed confidence in medal prospects despite a reduced quota, while athletes like Suvarna Raj and Pramod Bhagat voiced their determination to secure medals.
Indian wrestlers secured a six-medal haul, including two golds, at the Asian Games in Nagoya, overcoming injuries and form slumps. Gold medallists Aman Sehrawat and Sujeet Kalkal, along with silver winners Nitesh Siwach and Antim Panghal, and bronze medallists Deepak Punia and Sunil Kumar, are now setting their sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, expressing determination to bring home more glory.
National Commission for Women chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar urged protection officers to prioritise "first response" in domestic violence cases, emphasising sensitive handling and immediate intervention to prevent tragedies. She highlighted that the success of protection officers lies in timely protection for women, not just file processing. Rahatkar stressed the importance of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and called for a comprehensive "One Woman, One Support System" approach involving various services, continuous training, and prevention through awareness and empowerment.
Indian golfer Pranavi Urs made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win an Asian Games gold medal in golf.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board will decide on the next chairman of the selection committee after Ajit Agarkar's contract ends on October 4. Agarkar has informed the BCCI he does not wish for an extension. Saikia also expressed hope for the Indian men's team to win gold at the Asian Games, following the women's team's success.
Fariba Hashimi, an Afghan cyclist, made history by becoming the first Afghan woman to medal in an Asian Games cycling event, clinching silver in the road race. Her journey involved defying societal norms in Afghanistan, training in disguise, and eventually fleeing the country after the Taliban's return. Now based in Italy, Hashimi's medal symbolises hope and a fight for women's rights, aiming to inspire other Afghan women to pursue their dreams freely.
'We see a lot of cases of bank deposits getting lost, especially when people die, so this will help address that because you have one consolidated view.'
Eyes tackles the serious issue of stalking and toxic relationships with a talented cast and a worthy premise, but its loose pacing and underdeveloped characters stop it from becoming the gripping procedural it could have been.
South Africa's fast bowler Anrich Nortje is on the verge of a surprising return to Test cricket after nearly four years, potentially bolstering an injury-hit Proteas attack against Australia in the first Test starting Friday in Durban.
Germany coach Juergen Klopp acknowledges that while his team's results in the initial four international matches have been mixed, with only one win, he sees clear progress since their disappointing World Cup exit, particularly in their aggressive, high-tempo play.
India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is actively courting Sri Lanka's Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a Marxist party with strong Sinhalese nationalist roots, marking a significant shift in bilateral relations despite ideological differences. This engagement, highlighted by a recent high-profile visit by JVP leader Tilvin Silva, aims to foster cooperation on economic projects and address New Delhi's concerns over slow progress in India-aided initiatives in the island nation.
Khalid Jamil, head coach of the Indian football team, expressed optimism despite a 4-0 defeat against five-time world champions Brazil. He highlighted the high quality of the Brazilian team and the learning experience for India, emphasizing the need for more high-profile matches to improve. Jamil also defended goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and looked forward to the upcoming match against Uruguay.
The Indian men's volleyball team's hopes of ending a 40-year medal drought at the Asian Games were crushed after a 0-3 defeat to arch-rivals Pakistan in the quarterfinals. India, despite an all-win record in the group stage, failed to secure a podium finish.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is actively pursuing a strategy to expand cricket in China, leveraging the sport's recent inclusion in the Olympics. Plans include establishing a Centre of Excellence, supporting a Tier 2 event, and promoting women's cricket, with significant investment and collaboration with the Chinese Cricket Association to embed the sport deeper into the country's sporting system.
Newly-appointed Karnataka head coach R Vinay Kumar believes his primary challenge will be understanding and adapting to the mindset of current generation players, who he feels 'need more freedom' to perform effectively.
Kumkum Mohod from Amravati, Maharashtra, has won India's first-ever women's individual recurve archery gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Her family and community are overjoyed, and her father expresses confidence in her future Olympic aspirations.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has voiced concerns over significant delays in inducting new combat jets, including the Tejas aircraft, which are impacting the Indian Air Force's depleting fighter squadron strength. He stressed the need for annual induction of 36-40 jets to address the gaps and discussed ongoing procurement plans like the MRFA deal and future strategies for combat aircraft and theatre commands.
East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan are set to clash in the IFA Shield final on Thursday, a highly anticipated Kolkata derby. East Bengal aims to avenge last year's defeat and secure their 30th title, while Mohun Bagan seeks to retain the Shield and claim their 22nd. The match comes amidst a demanding schedule for both teams, particularly Mohun Bagan, with players returning from national duty, adding to the tactical challenges for coaches Panagiotis Dilmperis and Antonio Habas.
The Congress party is set to replace Amrinder Singh Raja Warring as the president of its Punjab unit, following organisational feedback from Sachin Pilot and persistent infighting within the state unit. The move aims to unite various factions ahead of the 2027 assembly polls, with former minister Vijay Inder Singla emerging as a frontrunner for the post.
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran affirmed India's robust economic position amidst global uncertainty, emphasising that energy security, advanced manufacturing jobs, and investment in human capital are 'critical' for sustaining the nation's long-term growth.
Bigg Boss 6 contestant Imam Siddique has posted a letter to Salman Khan, seeking clarification and correction about mentioning his name on Bigg Boss 20.
The Social Reckoning may lack the crackling energy of The Social Network, but Aaron Sorkin delivers a timely warning about what happens when a world-changing platform escapes the control of its creator.
Asian Games gold medallist Sujeet Kalkal is focusing on improving his ground game, identified by coaches as a crucial area for his 2028 Los Angeles Olympics aspirations.
The Brazil national football team's training session in Kolkata drew an unprecedented media turnout, resembling a World Cup event, ahead of their friendly match against India. Despite the excitement, the event was marred by significant accreditation chaos for journalists. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti's squad is building towards the 2028 Copa America, with the India match serving as a crucial assessment opportunity.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of Air Staff, has expressed significant concern over the inordinate delays in inducting new combat jets, including the indigenous Tejas aircraft, stating that these delays are severely impacting the Indian Air Force's depleting fighter squadron strength. He highlighted the need for 36-40 new fighter jets annually to address these gaps and voiced worry over Pakistan's collaboration with China on a fifth-generation fighter jet.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed respect for the Indian team ahead of their match in Kolkata, viewing it as an opportunity for his squad rather than a test. He discussed the challenges of managing a national team, the importance of commitment and joy in football, and the ongoing preparations for the 2026 World Cup, including significant squad changes and the blend of youth and experience. Ancelotti also reflected on Brazil's recent World Cup disappointment and the evolving nature of football.
Former Supreme Court judge Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman has voiced serious concerns regarding the Election Commission's functioning, stating that the right to vote is 'at great peril'. He called for the Supreme Court's intervention to address 'disturbing developments' within the poll panel, particularly citing issues like voter disenfranchisement during electoral roll revisions and the controversial appointment process of Election Commissioners.
India A secured a thrilling draw against Australia A in the second four-day match, thanks to resilient batting from Yash Rathod and Shams Mulani. This draw ensured India A won the two-match series 1-0.
Abhishek Sharma's 61 and Tilak Varma's unbeaten 51 powered India to 211/6 before Hasan Nawaz's 96 fell short as Pakistan lost by 19 runs.
India's batting strength, highlighted by centuries from Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill, is set to face the West Indies in the second ODI to seal the series. However, the team's pace-bowling combination remains a significant concern, particularly after the unsuccessful experiment with Nitish Kumar Reddy. The match is crucial for the West Indies, who are looking to keep the series alive and build confidence for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Indian golfers Pranavi Urs and Saptak Talwar delivered impressive performances on the opening day of the Asian Games, with Urs lying second in the individual women's standings and Talwar tied third among men. The Indian women's team is tied sixth, while the men's team is tied fifth, setting a promising tone for the competition.
India's squash campaign at the Asian Games concluded with two bronze medals in the team events. Both the men's and women's teams fell short in their respective semifinals against Malaysia and Hong Kong, respectively. Despite strong individual performances, including Tanvi Khanna's comeback, India couldn't advance to the finals, adding to their overall medal tally of two silvers and three bronzes in squash.
Anthropic has formally warned investors that its technology may pose "existential risks to humanity" in a long-awaited initial public offering prospectus circulated with a small group of partners in recent days.
Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh assured themselves of singles medals at the Asian Games by advancing to the semi-finals in their respective events at the Asian Games on Friday.
