The 20th Asian Games have officially commenced in Nagoya with a high-tech Opening Ceremony. India's 503-member contingent is being led by Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat. Early events have seen India's women's cricket team reach the semifinals and a medal opportunity in debutant sport teqball, building on India's record performance at the previous Games.
The Indian women's cricket team, after winning their eighth Asia Cup title against Sri Lanka, declined to accept the trophy from ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi, continuing a trend seen with the men's team last year. This incident highlights an ongoing impasse regarding trophy presentations involving the Pakistani official.
The Maharashtra Public Health Department has issued a directive making healthy foods and beverages mandatory in all government canteens and official events. The order aims to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods and combat the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases by promoting a menu designed with ICMR-NIN and FSSAI guidelines.
The Indian women's cricket team declined to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi, a decision confirmed by BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla as a 'collective' stance. This follows a precedent set by the men's team after a terror attack, with the BCCI having communicated its position to the ACC in advance.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has dismissed concerns about organisational chaos at the Asian Games, attributing criticisms to attempts to "politicise" the event. Despite widespread issues like accommodation scarcity, lengthy check-ins, and athlete complaints, OCA officials insist challenges are normal and are being handled effectively. They also addressed a diplomatic complaint from South Korea regarding a historical figure at a welcome ceremony and defended cost-saving measures like container-style accommodation.
Hockey India is embroiled in a significant internal dispute between President Dilip Tirkey and Secretary Bhola Nath Singh, primarily over a controversial jersey colour change and the authority to call emergent meetings. An upcoming Executive Board meeting aims to address these differences, discuss the future of the Hockey India League (HIL) including its restructuring into a joint venture, finalise election dates, and deliberate on hosting Asian Champions Trophy events.
Xi's bilateral meeting with Modi was substantial and readouts from both sides gave indications of rapprochement, if not a reset of bilateral relations between India and China, notes Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.
India's deputy chef-de-mission, A Sharath Kamal, has downplayed concerns regarding the unique container room and cruise ship accommodation for athletes at the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. He stated that Indian athletes have been prepared for these arrangements through mock setups at SAI centres. Kamal also expressed confidence in India's table tennis team, predicting at least one medal, specifically highlighting the men's doubles and mixed doubles pairs.
Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah held his first one-on-one meeting with Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava, signalling a shift towards direct diplomacy after previously preferring group interactions. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral ties, development partnerships, and mutual interests between India and Nepal.
Ajit Agarkar has informed the BCCI he will not continue as chief selector, prompting the board to begin searching for his successor as his contract ends October 4.
The BCCI's member units have authorised office-bearers to make a decision regarding the extension of chief selector Ajit Agarkar's contract, which is set to expire early next month, and to fill vacancies in the junior selection committee.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has implemented a stringent Safeguarding Code of Conduct for athletes and officials participating in the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The code prohibits inappropriate relationships, degrading language, and harassment, with violations leading to severe penalties including suspension. It also addresses social media use and places special emphasis on protecting minor athletes.
Anant Nag has dedicated the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 to the people and unique cultural environment of Karnataka, crediting the state for his unparalleled success in both art and commercial films.
Former India captain Anjum Chopra praises Smriti Mandhana's evolved power game and dominance against spinners, calling it a blueprint for younger players in women's T20 cricket.
Hockey India is embroiled in a significant internal dispute between President Dilip Tirkey and Secretary Bhola Nath Singh, primarily stemming from an unauthorised jersey colour change. An emergent Executive Board meeting has been called to address this conflict, discuss the restructuring of the Hockey India League (HIL) into a joint venture with franchises, finalise election dates, and deliberate on hosting Asian Champions Trophy events. The meeting also aims to address a show-cause notice issued to the Director General.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced that the 2026-27 Indian Football League (IFL) season will begin on October 30. Following a successful 2025-26 season with significantly increased viewership, the upcoming season will feature new regulations, including a limit of three foreign players on the pitch, and an expanded footprint with new venues in Nagaland and Odisha. Discussions also covered the IFL Charter, budget, and broadcast partnerships.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey has denied sanctioning an emergent Executive Committee Meeting called by secretary Bhola Nath Singh, intensifying an internal power struggle. The dispute stems from a jersey colour change controversy and the secretary's attempt to address various issues, including the Hockey India League's future and upcoming elections, which Tirkey claims is beyond his authority to convene.
Meta has restricted access in India to a viral AI-generated video depicting Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan dancing with KSEB officials. The video, which garnered 1.78 crore views, was restricted following a legal request, though the creators believe it wasn't due to the CM's objection, as he had previously expressed excitement about it.
TMC MP Mahua Moitra has formally complained to the UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, alleging that senior Muslim IAS and IPS officers in West Bengal were deliberately excluded from official events attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Moitra claims these officers were sidelined due to their religion, a pattern she describes as discriminatory and potentially damaging to minority confidence in security establishments.
Indian kabaddi player Brijendra Singh Choudhary has been stripped of his silver medal from the Asian Beach Games after testing positive for a prohibited diuretic. The International Testing Agency (ITA) confirmed the anti-doping rule violation, which Choudhary has accepted.
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.
The Delhi Billiards & Snooker Association (DBSA) has announced a new format for the Delhi State 15-Red Snooker Championship, which will now be held in memory of Raja Randhir Singh. The championship will feature a zonal qualification system leading to a 16-player main draw and offers a total prize money of Rs. 3 lakh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the BRICS summit, called for a fundamental shift in global governance, advocating for the replacement of the current 'pyramid of privilege' with a 'platform of partnership' where the Global South becomes a 'rule shaper' rather than a 'rule follower'.
A report by Scholars at Risk, 'Free to Think 2026', states that academic freedom in India is "severely restricted" due to increasing government influence over higher education, university governance, and curbs on student expression. India is listed among six countries in this category, with its Academic Freedom Index score sharply declining. The report cites instances of faculty dismissals, event cancellations, and pressure on student protests, highlighting the alleged use of the UGC as a vehicle for state influence.
The Delhi Chief Electoral Officer's office has issued notices to over 33 lakh voters, including former deputy prime minister LK Advani, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and former vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar, over discrepancies in their electoral roll details. These notices are part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, primarily due to details not matching with the 2002 SIR. Despite concerns raised by some politicians, officials assure that no names will be deleted without due verification and an opportunity for voters to respond.
The FIDE elections will see three Indians, including chess legend Viswanathan Anand, vying for crucial leadership positions amidst a complex electoral landscape and a high-stakes three-way presidential battle.
Indian tennis icon Leander Paes is poised to contest the presidency of the All India Tennis Association (AITA), backed by the Bengal Tennis Association. This sets up a potential three-way battle against current Davis Cup captain Rohit Rajpal and interim president Chintan Parikh, pending Paes's success in the Sportsperson of Outstanding Merit (SOM) election.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has issued a public health advisory on the seasonal surge in Influenza A (H1N1), or swine flu, urging people not to self-medicate with antibiotics and antivirals and advising immediate medical attention for severe symptoms.
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.
Several Indian cities report a surge in influenza cases, prompting state governments to issue advisories asking people to mask up in public spaces and follow basic respiratory hygiene.
The BJP has accused the Congress of spreading "fake news" regarding UPI transaction charges, asserting that the government has clarified that consumers will not be levied merchant discount rate (MDR) charges. This comes after the Congress criticised a government notification, alleging it paves the way for imposing fees on UPI transactions. The BJP has strongly refuted these claims, highlighting that most UPI transactions remain free and the government provides incentives to maintain a charge-free ecosystem for users.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that India's participation in the 2027 SAF Games in Pakistan will be guided by the sports ministry's policy, which permits Indian athletes to compete in events with Pakistani participants and vice-versa. Separately, the MEA also commented on the ongoing legal proceedings for seven foreign nationals, including a US citizen and six Ukrainians, who were recently chargesheeted by the NIA for illegal entry and movement, though not under UAPA at this stage.
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.
India and China are in what experts call 'a cooperation-versus-competition situation'.
The Centre has informed the Delhi High Court that adults, including those in non-heterosexual relationships, should be allowed to nominate partners for medical decision-making in cases of incapacity. This submission comes in response to a petition seeking recognition of same-sex partners as medical representatives, with the government stating this approach aligns with existing legal and ethical frameworks, respecting patient autonomy and ensuring continuity of care.
The Indian contingent for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya will undergo orientation sessions focusing on empathy and mutual respect. For the first time, a Safeguarding Officer will accompany the 768-strong team to provide support, counsel distressed athletes, and enforce a code of conduct, ensuring a safe and conducive environment for performance. The officer's role, mandated by the Olympic Council of Asia, includes confidential reporting and potential accreditation suspension for serious violations.
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.
Gaganyaan astronaut Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair stressed the critical importance of AI sovereignty for national cybersecurity, citing the increasing difficulty in distinguishing between real and fake content due to AI. Speaking at the Kerala Cyber Suraksha Summit, Nair highlighted that future conflicts and industries would involve a 'whole-of-nation approach,' blurring physical and digital boundaries. He urged greater awareness of digital threats and emphasised India's need to build on its technological capabilities in AI and cybersecurity, drawing parallels with the success of Chandrayaan-3. Other speakers also underscored the rising threat of cyberattacks and the potential for Kerala to contribute to national technology requirements.
Former World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand has been appointed Interim President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) after incumbent Arkady Dvorkovich voluntarily stepped aside due to his inclusion in the European Union's sanctions list.
Digital money is gradually starting to behave like software. It's no longer inert -- sitting passively in accounts. In the not-so-distant future, your money could become 'smart' and 'active,' understanding your preferences, paying your bills automatically, optimising your returns, and managing your risks -- all without you having to manage the details.
