Preliminary post-mortem reports indicate that asphyxia due to intense chest pressure was the likely cause of death for most of the 19 victims in a Durga Puja pandal stampede in Kolkata. Reports also noted serious internal injuries, including damage to vital organs and fractures, in some victims.
India has strongly asserted that human rights should not be weaponised for political pressure or selective targeting of nations, pushing back against attempts to negatively characterise the world's largest democracy based on unverified allegations and incomplete statistics.
Veteran cricketer R Ashwin has expressed his disappointment over Yashasvi Jaiswal's exclusion from India's ODI squad for the New Zealand series, suggesting that the lack of international game time could negatively impact the young opener's confidence and form.
The BJP has accused Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut of creating a fake audio clip using AI, alleging a Rs 500 crore payout to Maratha quota leader Manoj Jarange. The BJP claims Raut orchestrated the conspiracy to push Rahul Gandhi's agenda and create rifts among ruling allies. Raut, however, claims a BJP MLC leaked the clip due to internal party competition. Maharashtra CM Fadnavis has ordered a forensic probe into the audio clip.
The Sports Ministry has revised its Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF), significantly increasing financial support for organising international events in India, with up to Rs 50 crore available. The new guidelines also maintain funding for National Championships, introduce assistance for National Games, and outline plans for Olympic Training Centres, aligning with India's 2036 Olympic bid and 2030 Commonwealth Games aspirations.
The second season of the Archery Premier League (APL) will commence in Hyderabad on October 8, featuring 12 international archers, including Olympic bronze medallist Casey Kaufhold and other Olympic medallists like Mete Gazoz and Alejandra Valencia. The 11-day tournament aims to establish India as a key destination on the global archery calendar.
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.
'The political leadership is very clear that we have to move towards the integration of the three services into theatre commands.'
Himanshu 'Bhau', a notorious gangster from Haryana with 64 criminal cases, has been detained by US authorities for misrepresentation of facts. The kingpin of a global syndicate involved in murder and extortion, he operated from abroad after fleeing India in 2022. Haryana Police are coordinating with CBI for his deportation.
India's largest private-sector lender, HDFC Bank, is undergoing a significant leadership transition with several long-serving executives, including Deputy Managing Director Kaizad Bharucha and outgoing MD & CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan, set to depart, leaving incoming MD & CEO Anup Bagchi to oversee a major overhaul.
AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami has criticised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay for his silence regarding a multi-crore international drug racket operating along the state's coastline. Palaniswami questioned if the racket was happening with the ruling TVK's knowledge, citing a recent 137 kg crystal methamphetamine seizure by the DRI and the alleged involvement of a TVK functionary. He demanded a comprehensive explanation from the Chief Minister.
Former Indian wrestler Sangram Singh is set to compete against Malta's Wallochon in an MMA bout at the FightStar Championship 39 in London on December 19. Singh, who made his MMA debut in 2024, has a strong record with previous wins and is also a two-time Commonwealth Heavyweight Wrestling Champion.
Sivakasi, India's fireworks capital, is eyeing global markets as green crackers, rising demand and interest from overseas buyers offer a chance to challenge China's dominance.
Australia fast bowler Megan Schutt received a two-match suspension for breaching prescription medication requirements outside competition, with Cricket Australia confirming no performance-enhancing intent as she accepted the sanction and apologised.
Cognizant and Google Cloud have announced an expanded partnership to accelerate the adoption of agentic AI, forming a new 'Gemini Frontier Capability Group'. This initiative combines Google's AI platform with Cognizant's expertise to help enterprises deploy resilient, production-grade AI agents and drive business value. The group will focus on areas like legacy modernisation and cyber defence, with Cognizant also scaling Gemini internally.
Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton reveals his long-standing dream of an African Grand Prix, now set for Rwanda in the early 2030s, is a significant motivator for him to extend his illustrious racing career.
Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) is poised to make history by becoming the first club from Nagaland to compete in the Indian Football League (IFL), with its debut scheduled for the 2026-27 season starting October 30. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio lauded the club's entry, highlighting its potential to inspire youth and provide a platform for local football talent. NUSC's formation in 2024 and its arrangement with Aizawl FC underscore a significant step for football in the Northeast region.
Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022 and the final in 2026, is retiring from international football, he said on Monday.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that using terrorism as an "instrument of statecraft" is unacceptable and cannot be justified. He highlighted that terrorism persists because some states do not exhibit "zero tolerance" and allow political calculations to override historical lessons. Speaking at an event, Jaishankar emphasised the indivisibility of peace and called for stronger global resolve to counter terrorism in all its forms.
A British Conservative Party MP, Bob Blackman, has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons to reaffirm India's sovereignty and territorial integrity over Jammu and Kashmir. The motion, timed for Jammu and Kashmir Accession Day, also expresses concern over terror incidents and targeted killings in the region and calls for constructive dialogue.
Para-shooter Rakesh Nidagundi, fresh from winning India's first rifle team medal at the World Shooting Para Sport World Championships, is now aiming for a gold medal at his debut Para Asian Games in Japan. He shared his journey, including early financial struggles and the crucial support he received from the Vijayi Bharat Foundation.
Shailesh Kumar led an Indian sweep of the men's high jump T63 competition, while sprinter Anjanaben Bumbadiya struck gold in the women's 400m T47 event at the Asian Para Games on Thursday.
Suspended Boxing Federation of India (BFI) secretary general Pramod Kumar has requested World Boxing, IOA, and the Sports Ministry to send observers for a Special General Meeting (SGM) on October 28. BFI president Ajay Singh has declared the SGM "illegal and unconstitutional," warning of disciplinary action against attendees. The meeting aims to pass a no-confidence motion against Singh, amidst a deepening power struggle where both officials have suspended each other.
Ahmedabad Customs officials arrested a passenger arriving from Vietnam and an individual waiting to receive him at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Sunday for allegedly carrying and coordinating a consignment of marijuana. Seven vacuum-sealed packets containing approximately 2.117 kg of suspected marijuana were recovered from the passenger's baggage.
The Asian Champions Trophy returns to Punjab after 17 years, marking a special occasion for Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh, whose family will watch him play internationally for the first time. The tournament, featuring six teams, highlights Punjab's rich hockey legacy and will be held in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5.
Indian skipper Shreyas Iyer's inconsistent T20I batting form will be under the spotlight as Team India commences its five-match T20I series against New Zealand in Christchurch.
India has removed a key regulatory hurdle, allowing exporters to receive payments in Indian currency while retaining incentives under the country's foreign trade policy, a move aimed at promoting wider use of the rupee in international trade.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that 24 foreign nationals, who had entered India illegally, were apprehended from various homestays across the state. The arrests followed tip-offs, with the CM emphasising stringent action against illegal immigrants while assuring vigilance by Assam Police.
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner has made history by becoming the first bowler to take multiple four-wicket hauls against India in T20 Internationals, achieving this feat during the second T20I at Christchurch.
Jasprit Bumrah ranked third in Jos Buttler and Stuart Broad's top 10 bowlers of the 21st century, ahead of Glenn McGrath and Muttiah Muralitharan, behind Warne and Anderson.
Rs 299,900 can buy you Apple's first foldable iPhone. Or it can buy you a passport full of memories, a suspiciously large holiday wardrobe and enough airport coffee to develop a personality.
Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Taha, and Mohammad Suleman have received their maiden Test call-ups for Pakistan's upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka, with former T20 captain Salman Ali Agha also returning to the squad.
India vice-captain Shafali Verma received an official reprimand and one demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct by throwing the ball in frustration after dropping a catch during the second T20I against Zimbabwe.
Sanju Samson continued his superb form with the bat, smashing a blistering 67 off 33 balls to power India to their highest chase in T20 cricket, overcoming a mid-innings stumble for a four-wicket win in the series-opener against New Zealand.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was acquitted by a special MP-MLA court in Sultanpur on Monday in a defamation case stemming from his 2018 remarks against then BJP president Amit Shah. The court ruled that Gandhi's statement was not defamatory and the complainant, Vijay Mishra, was not an aggrieved person. Mishra's lawyer plans to challenge the verdict.
Hockey India has announced free entry for fans to all matches of the men's Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled from October 27 to November 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali. This initiative aims to attract more spectators and promote the sport.
India bowling coach Morne Morkel reveals a 'bulletproof' workload management plan for the New Zealand tour, including rotation and backup bowlers ahead of the Tests.
Former India coach Ravi Shastri has advised the Indian team management to preserve pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for Test cricket and use him sparingly in other formats to keep him fresh for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
A former Vadodara corporator has requested land for Indian spinner Radha Yadav to establish a cricket academy, following the Gujarat government's proposal to allocate a civic plot to former cricketer Yusuf Pathan. The request for Yadav aims to promote cricket and develop Vadodara as a sports city, contrasting with Pathan's decade-long dispute over a residential plot.
Indian tennis greats Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza have filed nominations for the AITA Sports Person of Outstanding Merit (SOM) elections, seeking representation in the General Body and Executive Committee. Notably, Leander Paes surprisingly did not file his nomination for the November 7 polls, making him ineligible to run for AITA Presidency. The SOM framework aims to integrate sportspersons into the governance of national sports federations.
