Carlos Alcaraz overcame a slow start to beat Jiri Lehecka 7-6(4), 6-4, retain the Japan Open crown, claim his 27th title and strengthen his comeback after injury.
'Ma would fiddle with the radio's knob until the static gave way to music; then, the voice would come on. I would be half-asleep still, understanding little of the Sanskrit words I heard but the words in chants, interspersed with songs, cast a spell. I still remember the goosebumps I felt as the epic tale of Goddess Durga's birth and battles unfolded,' says Radha Roy Biswas.
Ramlila Maidan, recently designated as one of Delhi's new protest sites, is proving to be a costly and difficult option for demonstrators. With no free dates for the next two and a half months and booking fees exceeding Rs 1 lakh, it contrasts sharply with the previously free Jantar Mantar. The ground, rich in political history, also poses logistical challenges due to its busy commercial location and impact on traffic.
A news report details how Israel scrambled fighter jets and stood ready to shoot down a Flydubai plane after a co-pilot's cockpit stabbing attempt led to a rapid descent and fears of a hijacking en route to Tel Aviv.
US Olympic sprinter Kenny Bednarek has expressed strong support for India's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games. Citing his personal connection through his Indian girlfriend, golfer Sharmila Nicollet, and his admiration for the country's diverse culture, Bednarek believes India would be an ideal host, offering a unique experience for athletes and visitors. India is among seven nations vying for the 2036 Games, also planning bids for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and 2038 Asian Games.
A Parliamentary panel has recommended that district administrations withhold permission for rallies and public gatherings on competitive examination days to prevent disturbances for candidates. The panel also suggested allowing latecomers to enter exam halls with an undertaking and dedicating a 15-minute window for formalities outside the exam duration.
Protesters associated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Delhi, many of whom participated in a July demonstration, adapted their strategies for a recent protest on Saturday. They used digital artwork, prepared for potential police action like lathi charges, and advised newcomers on safety measures such as carrying multiple masks and goggles. The protest, called to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter-list manipulation, faced heavy security deployment, barricades, and mass detentions, preventing a large-scale gathering at Jantar Mantar.
Delhi Police is preparing for a large protest on Saturday, expecting around 7,000 participants. Senior officers have instructed personnel to exercise maximum restraint, handle the situation professionally, and detain unauthorised gatherings. No permission has been granted for Ramlila Maidan, and action may be taken against individuals provoking police.
Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, and several other opposition leaders were detained by Delhi Police during protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
"Pressure on the current account is a temporary problem. Sooner rather than later, our external sector will improve," said RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, stated that Starlink's services in India must be affordable for widespread adoption and that competition would benefit consumers, despite potentially reducing Reliance Jio's profits. He criticised Reliance Jio as a 'de facto monopoly' in India, alleging that certain business conglomerates were blocking Starlink's entry.
World No. 4 recurve archer Dhiraj Bommadevara has advocated for a mix of daytime and night matches in the Archery Premier League (APL) to better prepare Indian archers for diverse international competition conditions. He highlighted the importance of adapting to varying factors like wind, especially with the APL's shift to Hyderabad, and praised the league for fostering stronger relationships and learning opportunities with international archers.
India secured a 14-run victory over West Indies in the third T20I, taking a 2-1 series lead. Captain Shreyas Iyer praised his bowlers for their confidence and execution, and also highlighted strong performances from openers Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan. West Indies captain Shai Hope acknowledged their bowling shortcomings and the need for a stable opening partnership.
US President Donald Trump has announced an immediate "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine, noting that both the warring nations have agreed to the truce.
The Bombay High Court questioned former assistant police inspector Sachin Waze's use of high-end cars and extended hotel stays, linking it to extortion allegations. The court is hearing an NIA appeal against Waze's bail in the Antilia bomb scare and Mansukh Hiran murder case, with the NIA arguing against his release due to potential tampering and past conduct.
Before protesting against the State, the citizen should not have to ask: Sir, may I protest, please?, asserts Prem Panicker.
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.
Steve Smith created history with a record 223rd Test catch as Australia took a 139-run lead over South Africa on Day 3 of the first Test at Kingsmead on Sunday.
A special POCSO court in Muzaffarnagar has sentenced a man and a woman to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 20,000 each for the 2019 rape of a 14-year-old girl. The convicts, Vikas and Lalita, were found guilty under various IPC sections and the POCSO Act.
Mahieka Sharma penned a heartfelt note for Hardik Pandya's 33rd birthday, detailing his journey from a struggling young cricketer in Baroda to one of India's leading all-rounders, highlighting his early struggles, unexpected turn to bowling, and unwavering work ethic.
MPSC aspirants are protesting in Pune, demanding reforms and the resignation of the MPSC chairman due to alleged paper leaks. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar announced that Rahul Gandhi is expected to meet the protesters on October 7 or 8. The Maharashtra government has already terminated an MPSC secretary and initiated a judicial inquiry into the commission's functioning.
Guyanese batter Quentin Sampson, known for his aggressive power-hitting, is attracting attention from IPL franchises, with Chennai Super Kings reportedly among those watching him ahead of the 2027 auction, following his impressive cameo against India.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has signed a new contract, extending his tenure until 2030. The deal, reportedly worth 20 million annually, solidifies his position as the longest-serving coach in England's top flight. Arteta led Arsenal to a Premier League title last season and a Champions League final, with the club aiming for sustained success amidst rival Manchester City's financial sanctions.
A Delhi court has permitted the prosecution to record the testimonies of four foreign-based nodal officers from WhatsApp, Google, and Bumble via video conferencing in the Shraddha Walkar murder case. This decision aims to prevent undue delays and exorbitant expenses associated with securing their physical presence, facilitating an expeditious trial. The testimonies are scheduled to begin in December 2026, with specific protocols for identity verification and secure proceedings.
India face West Indies in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad, needing one more win to seal the series as Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan lead the batting charge.
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.
Fraser Stewart, Head of Cricket at MCC, expressed concern over cricketers retiring early from Tests for franchise T20 leagues but acknowledged players' desire for higher earnings with less play. He also welcomed the ICC's decision to trial pink balls in day-time Tests to mitigate fading light issues and boost spectator interest.
Mental Conditioning Coach Paddy Upton and Scientific Advisor Alan Tan, with the reported aid of Artificial Intelligence, were crucial in the Indian hockey team's Asian Games gold medal victory, focusing on present-moment play and team cohesion.
'93 lakhs deletions in Bengal, 96 lakhs in Tamil Nadu, 24 lakhs in Kerala, 77 lakhs in Gujarat, 45 lakhs in Madhya Pradesh, 44 lakhs in Rajasthan. 2.89 crores in Uttar Pradesh. Nearly 3 crores!'
Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has stated that Cristiano Ronaldo can return to the national team if he chooses to, following the captain's abrupt departure from the squad last week after being an unused substitute.
West Indies all-rounder Shamar Springer discussed his team's "Plan B" to contain India's Abhishek Sharma, who scored a rapid 69 runs, leading India to a 14-run victory in the third T20I. Springer acknowledged Sharma's world-class performance and the difficulty of bowling on good wickets. He also reflected on the West Indies' chase, noting missed opportunities and the impact of the pitch conditions, while praising Roston Chase's underrated bowling.
Elon Musk has escalated his criticism of Indian industrialist Mukesh Ambani, sharing media reports that alleged Reliance-funded firms helped boost BJP campaigns on social media and made large political donations. This comes amidst a persistent delay in the launch of Starlink satellite broadband services in India, with Musk accusing Ambani of protecting a monopoly. The Indian government maintains its telecom framework is fair and non-discriminatory, while Reliance has not publicly responded to Musk's allegations.
Samajwadi Party MP Shiv Pal Singh Patel asserted that the Congress would not have secured any seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections without their alliance. He claimed SP chief Akhilesh Yadav persuaded Rahul Gandhi to contest Raebareli and highlighted the SP's significant contribution to the INDIA bloc's success in Uttar Pradesh.
An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of Punjab Police, Iqbal Singh, was shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants in Tarn Taran on Sunday evening. This incident follows two other recent attacks on ASIs in Punjab, drawing strong criticism from opposition parties regarding the state's law and order situation.
Manchester City are set to face a hostile reception at Anfield against Liverpool following their recent conviction for serious breaches of the Premier League's financial rules. The long-standing rivalry is expected to intensify, with former players predicting a "brutal day" for City amidst fan anger and potential protests.
When it pretends to be deaf, a situation can snowball into something it cannot contain. The government cannot dismiss public anger merely because protests are inconvenient or politically embarrassing, asserts Ramesh Menon.
The BJP has strongly criticised Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders for allegedly promoting a false narrative against Delhi Police using a fabricated AI-generated video. This comes after an arrest was made in connection with circulating the video, which purportedly showed an ACP harassing a woman journalist. The BJP questions Gandhi's silence and the potential involvement of the Congress IT cell in creating and amplifying the fake content.
The India U17 Women's football team is set for a decisive AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup qualifier against hosts Malaysia on Sunday. With both teams tied on points, India holds a significant goal difference advantage, meaning a draw will secure their qualification. Coach Joakim Alexandersson's Young Tigresses are aiming for a win to make history with back-to-back Asian Cup appearances.
Economic think tank GTRI has urged the Indian government to withdraw the proposed UPI charges, set to begin on October 15, arguing that the digital payment system should remain free for merchants and consumers. GTRI warns that these charges could lead to higher prices, reduced earnings for small businesses, and weakened household demand, while also benefiting international card networks by eroding UPI's price advantage. The think tank also called for an independent audit of UPI's running costs.
American coach Dave Cousins, who led India's compound archers to a historic Olympic quota at the Asian Games, faced a significant delay in receiving his salary for over three months. The Archery Association of India and Sports Authority of India have acknowledged the issue, attributing it to a technical problem, and assured that the payment will be cleared within days, resolving the coach's threat to quit.
