Video: Ajith Kumar Loses Cool As Fan Tries To Take Selfie With Him

Ajith Kumar's recent racing outing at Silverstone has caught attention for a reason beyond the results. His team finished 38th overall in the Michelin Le Mans Cup race held in the United Kingdom, but a video from the event has now become a talking point among his fans.

The clip shows a fan coming close to Ajith to take a selfie. The actor looked uncomfortable with the situation and gave the fan an angry look as he tried to take a picture. Soon after, Ajith's bodyguard stepped in and politely asked the fan to move away.

The fan does not move closer or disturb the actor after that. Still, Ajith continues to look at him with a serious expression.

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The video has received criticism as some users felt Ajith Kumar should not have looked upset.

Reacting to the post, a user wrote, “Even Hamilton doesn't behave like this.”

Another shared, “I honestly don't understand one thing about this world. If I run a shop or a company, my customers are the reason I earn money and live, so I would always respect them, speak to them politely, and value their time. The same applies to actors. People buy movie tickets, watch their films, follow them, and make them superstars. Their fame, wealth, and lavish lifestyle are possible because of the audience. So why do some people treat an actor like a god and even risk their lives or die for them? You are the customer. You are the one giving them the money, fame, and success. 

“Admire their talent, enjoy their movies, and support their work, but don't forget that they are successful because of you. They should value and respect their fans, not the other way around,” a comment read.

An individual stated, “I wait for the day when this guy goes to other cities for his racing games and nobody turns-up to see him, or cheer him or take pictures with him. I hope one day that happens and Tamil people will gain self respect.”

One more added, “If you want your privacy, we completely respect that. If you're with your family or having personal time, nobody has the right to disturb you for a photo or selfie. But when you're participating in a public sporting event, fans are naturally going to come.”

Another big moment from the Le Mans race was the meeting between Vijay and Ajith Kumar. Trisha Krishnan was also present at the event.

Ajith Kumar, who was last seen in Good Bad Ugly, will next appear in Adhik Ravichandran's Dare Devil.

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Sooryavanshi On Verge Of Another 'Youngest' Record As India Face Afghanistan

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is set to break more records as India take on Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series, starting September 13. The 15-year-old is in line to play for India in the series, after winning the 'Player of the Series' award in his last international series against Zimbabwe. If he does play against Afghanistan, Sooryavanshi will become the youngest player from an ICC full-member nation to play international cricket in India. He will break Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman's record from 2018.

Mujeeb was 17 years and 78 days old when he played for Afghanistan in a Test against India in Bengaluru, in 2018. Sooryavanshi will comfortably break the record if he plays in the series.

Interestingly, Mujeeb and Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran are both among the youngest players to play international cricket in India, and both could be playing against Sooryavanshi in the series.

Sooryavanshi already holds numerous age-related records in international cricket. Earlier this year, he broke Sachin Tendulkar's record of being the youngest-ever to debut for India.

The 15-year-old is set to compete with the likes of Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan for a spot in India's high-quality and highly competitive T20I top order. Abhishek Sharma's spot at the top appears to be secure.

Kishan, who slammed a combined 350 runs across two innings in the Duleep Trophy 2026 final just a few days ago, could miss out due to an injury. India T20I captain Shreyas Iyer provided an update on the situation, ahead of the match.

"I feel that he's comfortable at the moment. I interacted with him after the practice session. It was just a small niggle, and he's been playing continuous cricket. We all know the knock he played, so definitely a bit fatigued. But today he got that rest, and I'm sure that he will be fine for tomorrow," Iyer said.

On his preferred team combination, Iyer said he wanted players to have clarity about their roles while ensuring they feel needed by the team.

"Every individual, rather than knowing the role, it is important that they should have the awareness that the team requires them," he said.

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US Companies Get Creative As Tariff Refunds Start Flowing In

US companies getting refunds after the Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump's import tariffs are using the temporary windfall in a range of creative ways. 
The refunds are being used to cover rising costs, supplement employee retirement accounts and repay debt. Some are sharing the bounty with vendors. And a number of consumer companies are beefing up their assortment of lower-priced products and offering deals to attract budget-conscious shoppers pinched by the rising cost of living.

Companies in the Russell 3000 Index mentioned tariff refunds almost 1,000 times in earnings calls and filings in July, August and September, according to a Bloomberg News analysis, almost four times more than in the previous earnings season. Consumer discretionary and staples companies accounted for more than a third of the references, disclosing the receipt of close to $9.8 billon in refunds during that period.

Roughly $166 billion was paid in tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, which was overturned in February. Executives were initially reluctant to discuss their plans for pursuing refunds as they assessed criticism from the president and legal challenges from consumers seeking their share of the payouts.

They've been more forthcoming in recent months as the refunds started rolling in.

Williams-Sonoma Inc. said in late August that it put $10 million of the $200 million it received back toward employee 401(k) contributions. It also paid $47.5 million to vendors who gave the retailer discounts on inventory purchases to offset tariff costs. 

“We're so appreciative to have the money back and to be able to reward our employees with part of it,” Williams-Sonoma Chief Executive Officer Laura Alber said on a call with analysts. She pointed to efforts by employees to mitigate the impact of tariffs during “a very chaotic year moving products all over the world.”

Kohl's Corp. shared some of the roughly $150 million in refunds with vendors who paid more to import inventory from manufacturers while the tariffs were in effect. Chief Financial Officer Jill Timm told analysts the company also reinvested cash in its business, including boosting inventory levels for its lower-priced brands.

Cash Now, Please
Some companies have opted to take advantage of a growing secondary market for tariff claims, since chasing down the exact amount due can be a lengthy process. 

Funko, Inc., the parent of Funko Pops and other collectibles brands, said it sold more than $22 million in tariff refund claims for $19.2 million to a third-party financial institution and used some of the proceeds to pay down a term loan. Printer maker Xerox Holdings Corp. recognized $105 million in tariff refunds, then sold the receivable to a third party for $80 million in cash to help reduce its debt load, executives said. 

Academy Sports & Outdoors Inc. recorded $83.7 million in refunds, then sold $72.2 million of the claims to a third party for $10.5 million. The sporting goods retailer said it used the proceeds mainly to lower prices.

Other retailers have also translated the refunds into more direct benefits for shoppers.

Walmart Inc. said on its August earnings call that some of its refund was going into temporary discounts and deals. Elf Beauty Inc. plans to use some of the $50 million it received to lower prices on roughly 10% of its products.

Only Temporary
While companies are starting to get some money back, it's just temporary relief. Some have flagged the US-Canada trade dispute as a potential risk going forward, and many firms told investors they're using the refunds to help offset higher costs for fuel and materials, which have continued to rise. 

Helen of Troy Ltd., which owns the household brands OXO and Hydro Flask, said the more than $9 million it received during the first phase of refunds will be “more than offset” by expected higher costs for the remainder of the year. 

The “temporary tariff tailwind” is being eclipsed by inflationary pressure and higher prices for materials like metals and oil, Stanley Black & Decker Inc. said. The power tools maker said “it appears more likely than not a price increase will be necessary” in 2027 as a result of inflation.

Bath & Body Works Inc. is forecasting $30 million in additional tariff and other input costs during the second half of this year, and that Canada tariffs will remain at 50% for the remainder of 2026, CFO Tom Javitch told analysts on a call. The company makes some of its candles in Canada and has retail stores located there, so the company could be affected by both US and Canada levies, he said.

“We also have a large Canada retail business, so there is exposure to retaliatory tariffs if applied to our categories, and we're still evaluating this as new information is being released, really in real time,” Javitch said.
 

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Indiabulls To Acquire 70% Stake In Fintech Cloud For Rs 1,050 Crore

Indiabulls Limited will acquire a 70% stake in Fintech Cloud Private Limited for Rs 1,050 crore, as the company looks to enter the fintech segment and expand its technology solutions business for non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).

According to an exchange filing on Friday, Indiabulls has executed a definitive agreement with Fintech Cloud for the proposed acquisition. The deal values Fintech Cloud at Rs 1,500 crore on an equity basis.

The acquisition will be undertaken through an NCLT-approved scheme involving Indiabulls and the shareholders holding 70% of Fintech Cloud. The consideration will be settled through the issuance of up to 21 crore fully paid-up equity shares of Indiabulls, subject to applicable pricing and regulatory requirements, including SEBI's ICDR regulations.

ALSO READ: SEBI Proposes Extending IT, Cyber Security Framework Of MIIs To Their Arms

Indiabulls will also appoint the majority of directors on Fintech Cloud's board with immediate effect.

Fintech Cloud is a loan service provider (LSP) that provides technology-enabled solutions and support for loan origination, underwriting and servicing to regulated entities, including NBFCs. The company reported gross revenue of Rs 133.77 crore and profit before tax of Rs 30.31 crore in FY26.

The target company was incorporated on January 11, 2021, and had reported no turnover in FY24 and FY25 before generating revenue of around Rs 133.77 crore in FY26.

The proposed acquisition will enable Indiabulls to enter the fintech segment through a business focused on providing technology solutions to NBFCs, the company said in its exchange filing.

ALSO READ: India Can Save Rs 7 Lakh Crore, Create One Crore Jobs Through Freight Network Revamp: IIM Mumbai

The transaction is expected to be completed within 9-12 months and will require approvals from the NCLT, SEBI and stock exchanges, along with other applicable regulatory and shareholder approvals.

Indiabulls said the proposed acquisition does not constitute a related-party transaction, and its promoter, promoter group and group companies do not have any interest in Fintech Cloud.

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US-Iran Conflict, Oil Rally, Modi-Putin Talks, NSE IPO & More - The Week That Was

The week starting on September 7 remained highly volatile for markets with a mix of global uncertainty, rising oil prices and expectations of interest rates hike by US Federal Reserve, while corporate India saw several important developments. Here are few top stories from this week -
US-Iran Conflict
Tensions between US and Iran escalated again this week following a brief pause as US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the American forces attacked five Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and near Kharg Island. Iran responded by launching ballistic missiles at a US base in Jordan and targeted multiple commercial and military vessels near the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil Prices Cross $100
Oil prices rose over $100 a barrel this week, for the first time in nearly four months, even  hitting $109 before retreating on Friday. Crude prices are track for a weekly gain of around 8% to 9%.  Following this surge, benchmark indices such as Sensex and Nifty fell, posting consecutive sessions of losses, while Wall Street and Asian markets also declined. 

Modi-Putin Talks

Ahead of BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, September 11. PM Modi raised the issue of  the safety of Indian seafarers in the Black Sea, and emphasised India's support for any peace initiative to end the Ukraine conflict as both leaders agreed boost bilateral trade ties amid ongoing geopoltical uncertainties.

ALSO READ: SEBI To Issue CAS Consultation Paper On Saturday; Derivative Settlement Price Methodology May See Tweak

NSE IPO Price Band
On Friday, September 11, National Stock Exchange (NSE) announced price band for its much awaited initial public offering (IPO). The public issue will open for subscription on September 17, paving the way for the bourse's listing and close on September 21. The bidding for anchor investors will take place on September 16. NSE IPO price band has been set at Rs 1,700 to Rs 1,785 per share, according to the red herring prospectus (RHP). The IPO lot size is 8 shares, and the minimum investment amount required by a retail investor is Rs 14,280.

US Inflation Data
The US consumer price index rose by more than expected last month, strengtehning the case for Federal Reserve officials to raise interest rates next week. The consumer price index, excluding food and energy, advanced 0.3% in August from a month earlier, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released on Friday. According to Bloomberg median estimate, 0.2% increase was estimated. 
 

Global Fintech Fest 

The Global Fintech Fest (GFF), annual gathering focused fintech and the wider financial services ecosystem, with participation from more than 80 countries was conducted from September 8 to September 11, 2026. PM Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey were some of the notable speakers at the event.

ALSO READ: NSE IPO: No Application Filed With SEBI To Trade Own Shares On NSE, Says MD

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Rani Mukerji Awarded For Her Contribution To Cinema, Speaks In Marathi

Over the years, actor Rani Mukerji has taken on a wide range of roles and delivered each of them with sincerity. The Chalte Chalte star has been honoured with the Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award for her contribution to cinema. The recognition came as Rani completed three decades in the film industry. The 62nd Maharashtra State Film Awards ceremony was held in Mumbai, bringing together several noted names from the Marathi and Hindi film industries. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar honoured the award winners at the ceremony.

Dressed in a gorgeous green sari with a broad red border, Rani stole the spotlight. She paired the traditional look with green bangles, a mangalsutra and a gajra, completing the elegant ensemble.

Rani's words after receiving the award struck a chord with the audience. The actor spoke in Marathi and opened up about what made the recognition particularly special for her.

“Namaskar, for me, Maharashtra is not just a state. Maharashtra is my birthplace and it is also my workplace. This is an inseparable part of my life. I was born in this very city and grew up here. This is our very own Mumbai, the city of dreams. It was here that I learned the lessons of life, and it was also this city that taught me about cinema.”

The Black actor also mentioned that she has experienced everything here, both success and failure. And that's why today's honour is special to her. “Because I have received this honour from my own people. I took my first step into this industry at a very young age. At that time, I did not have anyone's support. I simply continued doing all my work with all my heart. For me, cinema is a medium through which we understand people,” Rani added.

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Devendra Fadnavis, while speaking at the ceremony, highlighted the importance of Marathi cinema and theatre. He said that the state government was preparing an action plan to make more cinema halls available for Marathi films.

Rani ended her speech by reiterating her connection with Mumbai and Maharashtra.

“Earlier I was a little girl, then I became an actress, a wife and now a mother. This city has given me so much and has given me the belief that one should never give up in life. I dedicate this award to all the people of Maharashtra, artists, technicians, directors and our film industry. 

“This award will always have a special place in my heart. Because whenever I look at this award, I will always remember my Mumbai and my Maharashtra. Please continue to shower me with your love and blessings. Thank you so much! Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra!”

Salim Khan, Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar and Prasad Oak were also honoured at the event.

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Robinson Creates History, Achieves Remarkable Test Bowling Feat Against Pak

England pacer Ollie Robinson has emerged as the standout figure in Test bowling, boasting the best bowling average among bowlers with 100-plus wickets since the First World War, with an impressive mark of 19.10. He has also reached the 100-wicket milestone in just 24 Tests, making him the joint-fifth-fastest English bowler to achieve the feat since World War II, joining legends Ian Botham, Derek Underwood, Steve Harmison, Graeme Swann and Tony Lock. Robinson achieved the feat during England's third Test against Pakistan in Birmingham on Wednesday. The pacer now has 102 wickets at an exceptional average of 19.10 in 24 Tests, including five five-wicket hauls.

Problems off the field have been compounded by struggles on it, with Pakistan's torrid run in red-ball cricket extending into the third Test. After Babar Azam lost the toss, England captain Joe Root had no hesitation in asking Pakistan to bat first.

Pakistan endured a disastrous start, with their early struggles coming against the backdrop of off-field turmoil that had prompted sweeping changes to the side, including the introduction of three debutants.

England's pace attack maintained complete control over a struggling Pakistan side at lunch on the opening day of the third and final Test at Edgbaston.

Josh Tongue returned impressive figures of 3/23, while opening duo Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer claimed two wickets apiece.

Robinson once again showcased the frugality that has defined his summer, finishing with figures of 2/9 from eight overs as Pakistan limped to 100/7 at lunch.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Starlink, Jio-Eutelsat, OneWeb Near India Launch; Govt Approves 5-Year Spectrum Allocation

India is moving closer to opening the door for commercial satellite broadband services, with Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio-Eutelsat expected to gain greater clarity on spectrum allocation, sources said on Tuesday.

The Digital Communications Commission (DCC) cleared the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) recommendations on satellite spectrum allocation at its meeting on September 2, the persons privy to the development said.

The move could pave the way for the government to assign spectrum to satellite communication companies seeking to launch broadband services in India.

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TRAI had submitted its recommendations on the terms and conditions for assigning spectrum for certain satellite-based commercial communication services last year. 

The regulator subsequently responded to a Department of Telecommunications back-reference in December 2025. 

Under the framework cleared by the government panel, satellite service providers are expected to receive spectrum for five years. 

Companies would also be required to pay a Spectrum Usage Charge (SUC) equivalent to 5% of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), the sources said.

The government is also expected to provide a lower spectrum usage charge for companies extending satellite connectivity to rural and remote areas, in an effort to encourage services in regions where terrestrial broadband infrastructure remains limited.

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The decision comes as global and Indian satellite operators step up preparations for the country's emerging satcom market. 

Eutelsat OneWeb, backed by Bharti, has been seeking security clearance to begin commercial services, while Starlink and Jio are also progressing with their India plans. 

The spectrum framework is expected to be a key regulatory step before commercial satellite broadband services can be rolled out at scale in India. 

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BCCI Breaks Silence On Team India's Asian Games Accommodation Controversy

The Indian cricketers competing at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan will stay at the designated accommodation arranged by the Organising Committee though they are not the five-star hotels they usually get on foreign tours, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said on Tuesday. Shukla said the issue on the accommodation of the hotels for the cricketers had arisen due to the scarcity of top-rated hotels in Nagoya. He, however, said accommodation of the cricketers was not a big issue and the BCCI and the players are satisfied with the arrangement.

"Whatever they (organisers) are providing, we are staying there and we are keeping a watch what kind of accommodation is being given so that our players are comfortable. Definitely those are not of five-star but a good accommodation," Shukla said at the send-off ceremony of the Indian contingent .

"Whatever has been offered to our cricketers that accommodation we have got the photographs all the way and the videos also of that, so I think it's comfortable. They (cricketers) will be going and staying there because otherwise the options were to make them stay in Osaka or Tokyo that's far away." Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha also said that the problem has been sorted out but there still remains some lack of clarity over who booked the rooms for the cricketers.

"No problem, I think. We have already booked (the hotels). For every player, we cannot book hotel rooms because the accommodation is (not) like (Athletes') Village. They (organisers) are providing a ship and small villas also," Usha told PTI.

"We also booked the hotel rooms for the players (other athletes). And the cricketers, BCCI, also have booked the hotel for them. Whatever the best hotel is there in Nagoya or Japan, whatever it is, the best one, the cricketers will get it, just like others (other athletes) get." Shukla said that the cricketers will not be staying at the twin-sharing rooms but in separate ones. The team will leave for Tokyo on September 20 and play a historic T20 against Japan on September 22. India open their Asian Games campaign on September 28.

"The problem was that Nagoya hasn't got many hotels. Tokyo is one and a half hour by bullet train, so is Osaka. But in the Asian Games, all the participants are like families, it doesn't look nice that some teams stay in Tokyo and some in Osaka so it has been decided that our players will live at hotel accommodation there (at Nagoya)." He sought to downplay the accommodation issue, saying the the main issue was the condition of the ground, wickets and dressing rooms.

"The big issue big issue was the ground, wicket and dressing rooms. They (organisers) have addressed those things. Asian Cricket Council's team had gone there and now they (ACC team) are satisfied with the ground, the wickets and dressing rooms, everything is fine." Asked who has arranged the accommodation of the cricketers, Shukla said, "That's being organized by Indian Olympic Association, Asian Games Organising Committee and Japan Cricket Association.

"At the ACC meeting in Bangkok, which I had also participated, 52 representatives from various countries were there. We had a full presentation by Japanese representative and he has assured us that all the arrangements will be made keeping in mind the comfort of the players. They have provided the hotels. If there are gaps or loopholes we will address it." He, however, refused to comment on the details of the hotels the players will stay.

"I haven't got hotels detail, so I cannot comment on that but definitely comfortable accommodation will be provided." India are the defending champions in both the men's and women's competition in the last Asian Games in China.

"India will definitely do well there. We also have a match on September 22 (India vs Japan for Suzuki Cup). It will be the first match in Japan. It's being organized very well as far as Asian Games are concerned. We sending our B team is complete rumour. Or full contingent is going with the most talented players and I hope that we'll definitely win."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Parineeti Chopra Makes Series Debut With Netflix's Shaque

Actor Parineeti Chopra's upcoming Netflix series Shaque: Trust No One is all set for a September premiere. 

The makers announced that the series will be releasing on September 24. 

Created by Rensil D'Silva and Siddharth P. Malhotra, directed by Rensil D'Silva, and backed by Alchemy Films, Shaque: Trust No One explores the blurry lines between trust and suspicion, instinct and truth, love and obsession.

The ensemble is led by Parineeti Chopra, which also marks her series debut. 

Director and co-creator Rensil D'Silva said, "Shaque is a thriller built on uncertainty. Every revelation raises another question, and every relationship has another layer waiting to be uncovered. What fascinated me was the opportunity to tell a suspenseful story through the deeply emotional journey of a mother who has spent nine years refusing to give up," as per a press release. 

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Speaking about the project, Tanya Bami, Series Head, Netflix India, shared, "Shaque is a gripping emotional crime drama with elements of a thriller, but at its heart, it is a story about a mother's relentless nine-year search for her child. The story effortlessly moves between the emotional intensity of a mother's search and the tension of a tightly woven thriller. The characters are central to this journey, each carrying their own conflicts and secrets, constantly shifting our understanding of what has happened and where the truth lies," the release added. 

Thrilled for his fourth outing with Netflix, creator and producer Siddharth P. Malhotra further added, "When Rensil narrated the story to me, I was hooked. There was something about the world he had created that immediately stayed with me, and I knew I had to be a part of it - that this was a story that needed to be told. Being involved with Rensil as a co-creator and producer, alongside Sapna, has been an absolute pleasure. Shaque: Trust No One is relentless, nerve-wracking, emotional and incredibly pacey. It has everything I look for in a great thriller - a deeply emotional core, complex relationships, unexpected twists and the constant feeling that you are one step away from the truth. It explores that uncomfortable space where trust begins to break down and every relationship starts carrying a question."

Meanwhile, the ensemble cast features Soni Razdan, Anup Soni, Jennifer Winget, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Harleen Sethi, Dhruv Chowdhary, and Sumeet Vyas.

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'No Discrimination Of Players Based On Region In National Selection': Dhawan

Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan on Sunday said that there was no discrimination of players based on region in the national team selection, but admitted that luck could play a part in the process. "No, there is certainly no discrimination," Dhawan told reporters at a press conference when asked whether there was discrimination of players from Jammu and Kashmir as they do not get many opportunities. "If you perform, no one on earth can keep you out; your performance must do the talking. Sometimes, luck also plays its part. That isn't exclusive to J&K. Whether it's a boy from Delhi or Mumbai, you will find plenty of instances where a player deserved an opportunity, but didn't get it, and someone else was picked instead. That is simply part and parcel of this game," he said.

The press conference was called to announce the launch of Pro Star Cricket League (PSCL) Season 2.

The tournament, dedicated to identifying and nurturing emerging cricket talent across the country, is scheduled to commence in the first week of March next year, beginning in Srinagar and culminating with a grand finale in Dehradun.

Dhawan, who along with J&K cricketer Pervez Rasool have been announced as the Iconic Players of the league, sad the youngsters from Jammu and Kashmir are good and well-built.

"Today, when I was playing golf, I remarked to someone that 'your physique is just like that of a fast bowler'. The fast bowlers from here are remarkably strong and gifted. What is positive is that cricket exposure here is expanding. The more matches they play, the more their experience will grow," he said.

Pointing to J&K's Ranji Trophy title win, the former opening batter termed it a massive victory and said the news resonated across the country.

"It was for the first time in history. The widespread acclaim they received was truly commendable. Paras Dogra led them very well; all the boys from Kashmir and Jammu joined hands and played with great unity," he said.

Referring to Rasool, who has played for India and also in the IPL, and fast bowler Umran Malik, Dhawan said these players received a tremendous platform.

He, however, asserted that the key is that the players must perform consistently at that level.

Dhawan said the league provides a huge opportunity for youngsters to realise their dreams and also play alongside international cricketers.

Another former cricketer, Aakash Chopra, who is the League Commissioner, said while luck does play a role, the competition is fierce.

"Luck does play a role, but the only thing within your control is to keep working hard and performing consistently. Indian cricket is currently at a juncture where if you have genuine talent, it will provide you with a stage.

"If not while playing for the national side, the IPL will offer that platform. Then you play the Ranji Trophy, you play the Duleep Trophy. There is a lot of cricket that is happening," he said.

Chopra said that like Rasool, he has also played fewer Test matches and that cannot be blamed on the place they came from.

"If I played 10 Test matches, it would be wrong for me to say the system held me back, which is why I only played 10. Or for Parvez to say 'I played fewer games because I came from Kashmir'.

"No, I came from Delhi, but I don't blame Delhi. Shikhar played the most among us because he put in that level of hard work and produced those performances," he asserted.

He said ultimately, the players have to go out there, score runs, take wickets, and continuously prove themselves.

He pointed out fast bowler Aqib Nabi who has played in the IPL and has been picked up for the national team as well, saying opportunities are coming his way.

"The New Zealand tour is approaching. He is a fine lad and will do well," Chopra said of Nabi.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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White House Reviews Candidates To Potentially Replace Steve Feinberg

Senior officials at the White House have been quietly vetting potential replacements for Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg. 

Reuters reported that the vetting effort dates back to at least June, with two of its sources saying White House officials had sounded out senior Senators on whether prospective nominees could win confirmation.

One source indicated the exercise was still active as recently as late August, though the outlet could not pin down exactly when the search began or who was being considered.

The administration, meanwhile, insists no such process exists and that Feinberg remains firmly in his post.

Both the White House and the Pentagon rejected the report outright. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly dismissed the sourcing behind the story, while Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Feinberg had his complete backing and was "doing a tremendous job."

The Pentagon separately denied that any replacement search was under way and declined to make Feinberg available to comment directly.

Should Feinberg eventually depart, it would represent the most senior casualty yet in a Pentagon that has already churned through several top officials under Hegseth.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll stepped down this week after a prolonged rift with the defence secretary, following earlier exits by Navy Secretary John Phelan and multiple senior Army figures.

Much of the internal friction traces back to the private-equity billionaire's struggle to deliver on a pledge to speed up US munitions output, a goal complicated, analysts say, by a defence-industrial base that cannot expand output fast enough and by Congress's sluggish pace in approving funding.

ALSO READ: Iran Nuclear Site In Trump's Crosshairs? US President Warns Pickaxe Mountain Could Be Hit Soon

The Washington Post reported this month that Hegseth privately blamed Feinberg during a meeting with Trump at Camp David for allowing stocks of long-range missiles and air-defence interceptors to fall. The White House has rejected that account.

Feinberg has also faced questions on Capitol Hill. Senator Elizabeth Warren has raised concerns over whether his former firm, Cerberus Capital Management, could benefit from Pentagon contracts linked to the Golden Dome missile-defence programme.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Feinberg had fully left Cerberus and no longer handled any dealings between the firm and the department.

The scrutiny comes as Trump has become increasingly frustrated with the six-month-old war with Iran and the lack of a breakthrough, even as he has publicly played down concerns about depleted US munitions.

ALSO READ: Trump Taps Hung Cao For Navy Secretary Amid Pentagon Turmoil

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Heavy Rain Disrupts Delhi Airport Operations; Nine Flights Diverted, Over 400 Delayed

Nine flights were diverted and more than 400 delayed at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) on Friday as thunderstorms and heavy rain disrupted flight operations.

According to an official, four flights each were diverted to Jaipur and Lucknow, while one was diverted to Ahmedabad.

The diversions took place between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., PTI reported, citing an official. Heavy rain lashed several parts of the national capital on Friday afternoon.

ALSO READ | Air India Terminates Phuket-Delhi Flight Captain After Positive Banned Substance Tests

More than 400 flights were delayed at Delhi airport on Friday, according to flight-tracking website Flightradar24.com.

Lucknow Airport said four flights bound for Delhi were diverted to Lucknow due to adverse weather conditions in the national capital:

• QP 1821: Bengaluru-Delhi | Arrived at Lucknow at 4:37 p.m.
• AI 484: Ludhiana-Delhi | Arrived at 4:50 p.m.; departed at 5:51 p.m.
• AI 2516: Indore-Delhi | Arrived at 4:58 p.m.
• AI 2541: Hyderabad-Delhi | Arrived at 5:06 p.m.

Separately, Jaipur Airport said five flights inbound to Delhi were diverted to Jaipur due to adverse weather.

Several airlines also issued travel advisories as the weather disrupted operations.

IndiGo said adverse weather over Delhi had affected flight schedules and advised passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport and allow additional travel time.

Travel Advisory

Bad weather over #Delhi has impacted flight schedules.

We are closely monitoring the weather and doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly.

If you're travelling today, we recommend checking your flight status on our website via…

— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) September 4, 2026

Air India similarly warned that flight operations to and from Delhi could be affected and urged passengers to check the latest flight status before travelling to the airport.

#TravelAdvisory

Flight operations to and from Delhi may be affected due to adverse weather conditions today.

To ensure a smooth travel experience, we encourage our passengers to check the latest flight status at the following link before heading to the airport:…

— Air India (@airindia) September 4, 2026

Akasa Air also said severe weather conditions in Delhi had affected certain flights across its network.

#TravelUpdate: Due to severe weather conditions in Delhi certain flights across our network have been impacted.

We realize that this may inconvenience your travel plans and seek your patience and understanding. While this situation is completely beyond our control, please rest…

— Akasa Air (@AkasaAir) September 4, 2026

The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in parts of Delhi-NCR as thunderstorms and heavy rain continued.

Delhi Airport said water had accumulated in the airport forecourt and on the approach road following the downpour. Airport authorities said the water was cleared quickly and measures were being taken to ensure smooth operations.

Several parts of Delhi also reported waterlogging following the heavy rain.

ALSO READ | India To Build 100 New Airports Over Next 10 Years: Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu

Palam recorded the highest rainfall, at 72.2 mm, between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., according to the Regional Meteorological Centre in New Delhi.

Narayana recorded 54 mm, followed by Janakpuri at 48.5 mm, Lodhi Road at 34.6 mm and Safdarjung at 32.6 mm during the same period.

Other locations also recorded significant rainfall, including Pusa at 29 mm, Jharoda Kalan at 25 mm, Ridge at 20 mm, Chhatarpur at 15 mm and Ayanagar at 12 mm.

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