Avinash Arun's Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam emerges as a rare honest film in contemporary Bollywood, skillfully navigating the sensitive narrative of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and the prosecution of Ajmal Kasab without succumbing to propaganda, observes Prasanna D Zore.
India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 in their final Pool D match of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, with Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek scoring two goals each. Vice-captain Hardik Singh also contributed to India's victory, while Pakistan managed to reduce the margin with goals from Hannan Shahid and Sufyan Khan.
England seized total control at Lord's after bowling Pakistan out for 110, building a 261-run lead as Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer dismantled their batting.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has instructed its players participating in the Test series against England to refrain from commenting on the imprisonment of former captain Imran Khan. This directive follows attempts by British media to elicit comments and a Sky Sports interview with Khan's sons, which the PCB deemed political. The board prioritised diplomatic relations and the ongoing series despite its displeasure.
Pakistan is set to host the 14th South Asian Games in April next year across Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar, after a six-year delay. While the South Asia Olympic Council has approved the dates and venues, India's participation remains uncertain due to political tensions, despite its representative attending the planning meeting.
Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh has emphasised the team's focus on improving its defensive performance ahead of the Asian Champions Trophy. India, chasing a record sixth title, will face Bangladesh in their opener on Tuesday. Harmanpreet stated that despite being favourites, the team will not underestimate any opponent and views the tournament as a crucial platform for both experienced players and youngsters, as well as preparation for the 2028 Olympics.
The Pakistan Cricket Board is reportedly undertaking a major "clean-up" operation, which could see senior selector Aaqib Javed removed and a new selection committee formed. This follows the controversial return of players Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, and Salman Ali Agha from England, with concerns raised over their form and behaviour. The PCB is also reviewing coaching staff and player conduct.
England closed in on a first home Test series win for two years as Pakistan slumped to 53/3 at lunch on the fourth day of the second Test at Lord's on Sunday.
A Pakistani court has ordered the return of 21-year-old Hindu girl Shirimati Reeta to her parents after she was allegedly lured, pressured to convert to Islam, and marry a Muslim man. Reeta, who had gone missing from Sindh, was recovered by police in Punjab and stated in court her desire to return home, highlighting the ongoing issue of forced conversions among minority girls in Pakistan.
Israel has implemented new aviation security directives, barring pilots and cabin crew from countries without diplomatic ties, including Pakistan, from entering its airspace. This follows a hijacking attempt last month on a flight to Israel, where Indian Captain Smit Machchhar was injured while thwarting the plot. The restrictions affect over two dozen nationalities and have prompted airlines like Air France and United Airlines to adjust crew assignments.
Pakistan and Turkiye have agreed to deploy military forces in Saudi Arabia as part of the Makkah Alliance for Defence. This decision follows recent attacks by Houthi rebels and aims to strengthen collective deterrence against threats to Saudi Arabia. The alliance, formed in August, considers an attack on one member as an attack on all.
India summoned Pakistan's Charge d'affaires to protest continued cross-border infiltration and alleged facilitation of drug smuggling, rejecting Pakistan's earlier protest regarding BSF action against suspected intruders. India stated BSF engaged infiltrators who posed a security threat after ignoring warnings.
Veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh states that the Indian hockey team has overcome its past late-game vulnerabilities against Pakistan, attributing this to significant improvements in fitness, game awareness, and decision-making. He notes that matches against Pakistan are no longer as challenging as they once were, though he stresses the need for defensive discipline against stronger European teams in the upcoming World Cup.
Beijing published the world's first global framework for vocational standards. If India does not act swiftly, it will be compelled to certify its workers by someone else's rulebook, cautions Abhay Jere, ex-Vice Chairman, AICTE.
The 12th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 12) will take place from March 18 to May 2 next year, maintaining its eight-team format. The dates were confirmed at a Governing Council meeting in London, paving the way for upcoming player signings and auctions.
A businessman in Ratlam was allegedly defrauded of Rs 55 lakh by cyber criminals posing as police officers. The fraudsters claimed his mobile number was linked to Pakistan's ISI and threatened legal action, coercing him to transfer funds. Three accused have been apprehended, and Rs 20 lakh of the defrauded amount has been blocked.
'He was a one-of-a-kind man with a clean heart who always spoke his mind. A true raja, he was the king of hearts.'
Andhra Pradesh police have revealed that female Pakistan Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) are actively targeting Indian defence personnel through social media, honey traps, and financial inducements to extract sensitive information. Under "Operation Firewall-2026," two individuals, including a naval staffer, were arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan, with 13 naval personnel among 18 suspects involved in the espionage conspiracy.
Pakistan hockey legend Samiullah Khan has advised his team to focus on a strong defence and avoid conceding penalty corners in their crucial FIH World Cup pool match against India. He also highlighted the need for a long-term vision in Pakistan hockey, similar to India's transformation, and lamented the fading intensity of the historic rivalry, urging both teams to bring back skill and artistry to attract fans.
Pakistan hockey legend Samiullah Khan has advised his team to focus on a strong defence and avoid conceding penalty corners in their crucial FIH World Cup match against India. He also highlighted the need for a long-term vision in Pakistan hockey, similar to India's transformation, and lamented the fading intensity of the historic rivalry.
'It beggars belief that Saudi Arabia would deploy military force against India, a top partner and market.'
Ahead of their crucial Hockey World Cup 2026 clash, the traditional India-Pakistan hockey rivalry faces an unusual question: will the teams shake hands? This comes after a similar debate in cricket. While the historical record is close, India has dominated recent encounters, winning decisively in the 2023 Asian Games and Pro League.
India will face arch-rivals Pakistan in a crucial FIH Men's Hockey World Cup Pool D match, needing at least a draw to advance, while Pakistan must win to stay in the tournament.
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.
Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson stated that India's Asian Games cricket gold was not achieved 'on a platter', attributing the success to the experienced 'A' team's ability to manage pressure in the high-stakes final against Pakistan.
Following South Africa's defeat in the 1st Test in Durban on Tuesday, October 13, Herschelle Gibbs wants Kagiso Rabada back, Marques Ackerman included and Ryan Rickelton moved down the order to keep wickets in the 2nd Test.
Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been added to India's squad for the series-deciding fifth and final T20I against the West Indies as cover for the injured Arshdeep Singh, marking his return to T20I cricket after four years.
The Congress has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "deafening silence" regarding reported face-offs with the Chinese Army in Arunachal Pradesh.
England moved to the brink of victory at Lord's as Dan Lawrence's unbeaten fifty extended their lead to 357, leaving Pakistan facing an almost impossible chase.
Police recovered a mobile phone, SIM cards and documents described as incriminating from his possession.
IOA chief PT Usha met the Indian Cricket Team after their thrilling win over Pakistan to win the Asian Games gold medal in Nisshin on Saturday.
Pakistan has welcomed an Indian delegation's visit to Islamabad for a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, marking the first such visit after a significant gap. The visit is seen as a positive step towards regional peace and cooperation, with Pakistan also commenting on other international and domestic issues.
Former Pakistan captain Salman Akbar attributes his country's hockey decline to the absence of a robust domestic structure, contrasting it with India's strategic investment in grassroots and domestic ecosystems after failing to qualify for the 2008 Olympics. He highlights India's subsequent success and calls for similar foundational changes in Pakistan.
A dominant display against a hugely disappointing Pakistan side saw the game wrapped up before tea on the third day despite the loss of more than half a day's play to rain.
Pakistan has summoned India's Charge d'Affaires to protest the killing of two alleged civilians by the Border Security Force (BSF) along the international border in Punjab. While India claims the individuals were intruders, Pakistan asserts they were unarmed civilians and demands a transparent investigation into the incident.
Sri Lankan skipper Kusal Mendis lauded his team's 'character and belief' after their historic 430-run chase against England, the second-highest in ODI history, highlighting the team's confidence in achieving any target.
Watching Udta Teer's refreshingly cheeky ambition dumb down into a grovelling piece of gutless filmmaking is supremely disappointing, notes Sukanya Verma.
Sri Lanka chased down England's 430-run target to script ODI history, with Pavan Rathnayake's 130, Avishka Fernando's 97 and Dasun Shanaka's explosive 97 overshadowing Harry Brook's record double century.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve global conflicts, stating, "war can never be the answer to war," while addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
England fast bowler Brydon Carse has been dropped from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan following an investigation by the Cricket Regulator into an incident at a club in Derby. Carse, who was reportedly seen in handcuffs but not arrested or charged, will be replaced by Sonny Baker. This incident follows a series of off-field controversies involving England cricketers, prompting renewed scrutiny of player conduct.
