Japanese Olympic Committee chief Seiko Hashimoto acknowledged "many problems" at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, particularly regarding accommodation, but emphasized that criticism doesn't reflect the full experience. She highlighted innovative solutions like cruise ship lodging as potential models for future cost-effective international competitions and stressed the importance of learning from challenges, including weather disruptions. Hashimoto also celebrated Japan's record medal haul at the Games.
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.
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.
The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP has served a legal notice to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, demanding a retraction and public apology for his allegations that the BJP attempted to bribe National Conference legislators to destabilise his government. The BJP has called the claims "false, baseless and defamatory" and warned of civil and criminal proceedings, including a Rs 100 crore defamation suit, if their demands are not met within seven days.
International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Tayyab Ikram has commended India's professional approach to hockey, urging other Asian nations to adopt similar strategies to improve their global standing. He highlighted India's journey from past Olympic glory to recent bronze medals, positioning it as a model for development in the sport.
The Supreme Court has stayed an Allahabad High Court order that directed Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate Medha Roopam to pay Rs 5 lakh compensation from her salary for the detention of student Akriti Chaudhary under the National Security Act (NSA). The High Court had quashed Chaudhary's detention, criticising the DM's conduct and ordering compensation. The Supreme Court issued notice on pleas from Roopam and the Uttar Pradesh government, also staying the High Court's observations against the DM, with further hearing scheduled for October 7.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a scathing attack, calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar 'deshdrohis' (traitors) for allegedly 'destroying' India's voting system and 'stealing elections'.
The Supreme Court has modified its interim order, staying the strictures and compensation directive passed by the Allahabad High Court against Noida DM Medha Roopam. The High Court had ordered Roopam to pay Rs 5 lakh from her salary for the detention of student Akriti Chaudhary under the NSA, criticising the DM's conduct. The Supreme Court's interim order specifically stays paragraphs 27 to 33 of the High Court judgment, which contained the strictures and cost award, but does not stay the quashing of Chaudhary's detention.
Former Italy manager Roberto Mancini is set to return for a second spell as the national team coach, replacing Gennaro Gattuso, who departed after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time.
India's head coach Khalid Jamil is preparing his team for a historic football match against five-time world champions Brazil. Jamil emphasizes handling pressure, keeping things simple, and giving their best, despite the significant gap in rankings. Defender Anwar Ali also stresses the importance of staying calm and following the coach's plan for the high-stakes encounter.
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.
India's bid to host the 2038 Asian Games will not be decided before 2028, as the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has revealed that five other countries are also vying for the same edition.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced significant opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within India's rapidly expanding aviation sector. With Indian airlines ordering over 1,600 aircraft and the aerospace market projected to double by 2035, there's a massive scope for Indian suppliers to integrate into global aerospace supply chains, moving beyond assembly to design and manufacturing.
Italy's technical director Paolo Maldini revealed that the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) first approached Carlo Ancelotti for the national team coaching job before engaging with Pep Guardiola, as they seek to rebuild the Azzurri after failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
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.
BJD MP Santrupt Misra has voiced strong concerns over the Centre's decision to impose a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, arguing that the government or large financial institutions could easily absorb the costs of maintaining the digital payment network instead of burdening merchants and consumers.
India's Sports Ministry has announced the formation of a 20-member National Sports Election Panel (NSEP), including two former Chief Election Commissioners, to oversee fair elections in national sports bodies. This panel, mandated by the National Sports Governance Act 2025, aims to streamline electoral processes. Additionally, the deadline for applications to the National Sports Tribunal (NST), which will handle sports disputes, has been extended.
Abhijeet Dipke has issued a strong call to Indian opposition parties, urging them to boycott elections if they genuinely believe the electoral process is rigged, arguing that their continued participation only legitimises alleged unfairness.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary stated that the JD(U) will thoroughly study the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill before deciding on its stance, indicating they will not oppose it without valid reasons. This position contrasts with the RJD's strong opposition and highlights the JD(U)'s independent approach within the NDA.
Omar Abdullah has so far laboured hard to make best of a bad bargain. Even so, the ground reality is anything but reassuring. The Opposition parties, including notably the PDP, appear to be gaining ground, though more by default. Public patience with Omar's government has nearly run out, notes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.
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.
India's semiconductor sector has garnered USD 1.4 billion in total equity funding across 281 companies, with a substantial USD 701 million raised since 2025 alone, according to Tracxn data.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is facilitating discounted tickets for members of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting for India's upcoming FIFA tier-1 friendlies against Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay. These high-profile matches will be held in Bengaluru and Kolkata, with the AIFF also planning Fan Parks across districts to promote grassroots football and allow wider viewership. The matches are seen as a significant opportunity for the Indian national team to test itself against top-ranked opponents.
A political storm has erupted with the Opposition demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, following reports that two Election Commissioners raised 'expansive red flags' over the Special Intensive Revision of voters' lists, citing issues like name deletions and decisions made without their knowledge.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has set an ambitious target for district collectors to achieve a 15-20 per cent growth rate, building on the state's 13.4 per cent growth in Q1 FY27, the highest in India.
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff highlights India's crucial role in the company's shift to an AI-first enterprise system. He emphasized India's vast pool of technology professionals and partners as key to this transformation, underscoring the country's importance in Salesforce's global strategy.
The Congress party has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging "vote chori" and treason, following a media report revealing that two other Election Commissioners had formally objected to decisions regarding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have accused the BJP, RSS, and EC of undermining democracy, citing concerns over voter list tampering and lack of transparency.
The CPI(M) has strongly criticised the UDF government in Keralam for ordering a police inquiry into an alleged bribery case involving former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter, and son-in-law, based on an Enforcement Directorate report. The party alleges political targeting and a nexus between the UDF and the BJP-led Centre.
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.
In 100 days in office, Chief Minister V D Satheesan has ordered five SITs. This would appear to be some kind of a record, points out Aditi Phadnis.
The National Conference, which is emerging as the single largest party in a hung assembly in Jammu and Kashmir, has made a clean sweep of the eight constituencies in Srinagar. Considered to be stronghold of the separatists, the city recorded 20 per cent polling in the final phase of elections held on December 24.
The Congress party staged nationwide protests, demanding the immediate arrest and removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The party accused the Election Commission of an "unprecedented attack" on voter equality through an alleged 'Mark VIP' feature and called for an independent review of decisions made under Kumar, citing objections from other commissioners regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The BJP has accused AAP leaders, including Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal, of operating a corruption syndicate in Punjab. The allegations claim that middlemen, allegedly on behalf of Mann and his wife, demanded bribes of up to Rs 5 crore to settle rape cases. The National Human Rights Commission has ordered an inquiry into a complaint regarding these allegations.
'Major unions should be included. If this goes on, decision-making will become heavily one-sided and we will be forced to continue our strikes.'
Their message is blunt: Public scientific wealth should not be transferred at what they describe as 'throwaway prices'.capability, recruitment, promotional avenues and the voice of its employees.
The high court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has set aside the discharge of an accused in a UAPA case stating that secessionist sloganeering in a mob in the presence of the head of a banned separatist organisation prima facie falls under the definition of unlawful activity.
Former Indian cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Aakash Chopra discussed cricket selection, dismissing claims of regional discrimination and emphasising performance and hard work. They highlighted the launch of the Pro Star Cricket League (PSCL) Season 2 as a platform for emerging talent, particularly from regions like Jammu and Kashmir, and acknowledged the role of luck in a competitive environment.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has criticised the BJP government's proposed Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on high-value UPI transactions, calling it a "chungi" (tax) on digital payments. He alleged the move was an attempt to extract money from people's transactions, contradicting the government's goal of a trillion-dollar economy. The new UPI framework will impose a 0.4% MDR on person-to-merchant transactions above Rs 2,000 from October 15, with certain sectors having a flat Rs 5 MDR.
The Indian senior women's rugby sevens team is undergoing a national camp in Kolkata to prepare for the upcoming Asian Games in Nagoya. Coach Terence Joseph and Captain Shikha Yadav emphasise execution, consistency, and building on recent form against strong Pool B opponents like China and Hong Kong China.
Ahead of Xi Jinping's visit, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held extensive talks in Beijing on August 25 on the boundary issue and reached an eight-point consensus.
