BCCI Sets Sight On Rs 450 Crore Sponsorship After Dream11's Exit: Source

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has set its expectations clear after the departure of Dream11, a sports-tech giant, as the lead sponsor for its national teams. Dream11 had to terminate its contract prematurely after the passing of the Online Gaming Bill in the parliament. The situation does leave the Indian board in a fix as it's tough to get a sponsor in time for the start of the Asia Cup 2025 and get the men's national team's jerseys printed. However, NDTV sources have confirmed that the board is looking to rope in a new sponsor for the 2025-28 period, valuing the sponsorship at around Rs 450 crore.

Dream11 had signed a three-year deal with the BCCI, which would have seen the brand pay the Indian board Rs 358 crore over the course of the contract. However, the deal had to be ended roughly two years from the date the contracts were signed.

NDTV sources have confirmed that the BCCI is now looking to get a sponsor for 140 matches from 2025 to 2028. It would be an improved contract in comparison to what Dream11 paid the board. The sponsorship would be for both home and away bilateral matches, as well as multi-team tournaments organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The BCCI has also set targets of Rs 3.5 crore per bilateral match and Rs 1.5 crore for ICC and ACC fixtures-more than Dream11 but less than what it used to get from Byju's.

As far as the upcoming Asia Cup is concerned, the BCCI is trying to have a shirt sponsor before the start of the continental tournament, but since the timelines are short, there could be a slight delay. However, the board is confident of sealing a new entity before the Women's World Cup, which starts on September 30 of this year.

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Family Tragedy Brings Together Allu Arjun, Pawan Kalyan

A video and photos showing Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and actor Pawan Kalyan visiting actor Allu Arjun at his home in Hyderabad, has gone viral, sparking widespread discussion across social media platforms. The visit was a gesture of condolence following the recent death of Allu Arjun's grandmother, Allu Kanakaratnam.

The emotional visuals capture a moment of profound family solidarity, with Pawan Kalyan embracing a visibly emotional Allu Arjun and later his father, producer Allu Aravind, to offer his condolences. 

Pawan Kalyan had returned from a political meeting in Visakhapatnam. Though his wife, Anna Lezhneva, had attended the funeral rites, Pawan Kalyan's personal presence, albeit a day later, was seen as a powerful and meaningful gesture.

Allu Kanakaratnam, wife of the late actor Allu Ramalingaiah and grandmother of Allu Arjun, passed away on Saturday, August 30, at the age of 94 due to age-related ailments. 

Allu Kanakaratnam's funeral was held the same afternoon in Kokapet, Hyderabad. Allu Arjun was in Mumbai for a film shoot and returned to Hyderabad upon hearing the news.

Allu Kanakaratnam was Chiranjeevi's mother-in-law. Pawan Kalyan is Chiranjeevi's younger brother and he is known to be close to his sister-in-law Surekha. Allu Arjun is the son of Surekha's brother, producer Allu Aravind.

There have been rumours of a strained relationship between the two stars and their respective fan bases. For years, media and fans have speculated about a cold war within the 'Mega' family between the 'Konidela' and the 'Allu' families.

Tensions have reportedly been fuelled by fan wars on social media and, more recently, by political differences.

During the assembly election in Andhra Pradesh last year, Allu Arjun publicly supported his friend and YSRCP candidate, Silpa Ravi. This act intensified speculation of a rift, with fans of both stars engaging in heated debate online.

While Allu Arjun later clarified his support for his family and friends, regardless of political affiliation, the incident further highlighted the perceived divide.
 

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Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah Clear Fitness Test Ahead Of Asia Cup: Report

Indian cricketers, including Test skipper Shubman Gill and ODI captain Rohit Sharma, have cleared the pre-season fitness test which was conducted at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Gill will travel to Dubai soon for the Asia Cup, starting on September 9, and his teammates Jasprit Bumrah and Jitesh Sharma too have passed the fitness parameters. The 25-year-old Punjab batter was named India's vice-captain for the T20 tournament. A fitness test became mandatory for Gill as he had to pull out of the Duleep Trophy, where he was named the North Zone captain, because of a fever, and was resting at his home town for the last few days.

PTI understands that other players who went through the test at the CoE without any alarm were Mohammed Siraj, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur.

Apart from the now standard Yo-Yo test, a DXA Scan, which is a simplified method to test bone density, was also done during the fitness test.

Both Jaiswal and Washington are in the standby list for the continental showpiece, while Thakur will remain in the city to lead the West Zone in the Duleep Trophy semifinal against Central Zone from September 4.

While Rohit does not have any immediate assignments after his retirement from Test and T20 formats, the senior batter could travel to Australia for an ODI series in November, and prior to that he may also appear for India A against Australia A in three one-day matches at Kanpur on September 30, October 3 and 5.

The confirmation for that is yet to come but Rohit is likely to stay back in the city for a few more days to train at the CoE.

Other members of the Asia Cup squad such as Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav and Riyan Parag (standby) have played in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinals for their respective Zonal teams, and there could not be a separate fitness test for them now.

Wicketkeeper batter Dhruv Jurel, who is also among the standby players, had to skip the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal because of a groin niggle.

But the Central Zone skipper, who was replaced at the helm by Rajat Patidar against NorthEast Zone, is still under monitoring of the medical team.

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

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India's 2019 WC Star To Play For New Team: "Can't Sit Out And Give Water"

ODI World Cup 2019, which was hosted by England, was a memorable tournament as it brought out many thrilling matches. The tournament also had a thrilling finale as hosts England outplayed New Zealand by the virtue of hitting more boundaries and clinched the coveted title at The Lord's. As far as Team India was concerned, Virat Kohli and co's journey ended in the semi-final after they lost against the Kiwis. India squad at the 2019 World Cup also made the headlines after batter Vijay Shankar made the cut, replacing Ambati Rayudu.

However, Vijay Shankar failed to establish himself as a big name in Indian cricket and now, he has even moved on from his state team, Tamil Nadu. The right-handed batter has taken a call to shift his base from Tamil Nadu to Tripura in domestic cricket. 

As he has received from Tamil Nadu Cricket (TNC) for the same, Shankar spoke about his decision and slammed the selectors for not giving him enough opportunities. 

“Sometimes, when you're forced to take that call, you need to move on and look out for opportunities. I think I've been playing well. And more importantly, I want to play cricket, that's it. I can't go out there and just sit out and give water. It's quite difficult after playing for so many years," Shankar told The Hindu.

“Last year, I got dropped for the first two Ranji games, and then I made a comeback. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, again, I was dropped for the last two games. So, after that, it was quite tough. You need some clarity at some point. I was not getting that clarity," he added.

Shankar further stated that he never felt secured while he was in the Tamil Nadu setup and that's what forced him to take such a call.

“I never got any secure feeling when it comes to the selectors. So, at one point, I decided I needed to take a call. And I was happy that at least our coach (M. Senthilnathan) came up and told what they (the selectors) were thinking. So, I felt that there was no point staying. And trying to still fight it out to play in this setup was quite difficult,” said Shankar.

“Even if you take the last three years, I think only in 2022 I batted at one batting position, I batted at No. 6 every game, and I got three consecutive hundreds. But after that, from No. 3 to No. 7, I batted everywhere," he added. 

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UK Nurse Wins Rs 30 Lakh After Co-Worker's Eye-Rolling Sparks Panic Attacks

A dental nurse who faced constant eye-rolling and belittling from a colleague has been awarded over 25,254 pounds (Rs 30 lakh) in a groundbreaking employment tribunal, according to The Times. The decision establishes that non-verbal actions like eye-rolling can count as workplace bullying, making employers responsible if staff use such behaviour against others. This case shows how small actions can create a toxic work atmosphere and result in significant legal consequences.

According to The Times, Maureen Howieson, 64, a dental nurse with more than 40 years of experience, was awarded the compensation after an Edinburgh tribunal concluded she was a victim of "rude, isolating, bullying and belittling" behaviour at the Great Junction Dental Practice in Edinburgh.

The tribunal heard that Howieson's relationship with a new dental therapist, Jisna Iqbal, became "strained" shortly after Iqbal was hired following the practice's acquisition in July 2024.

Iqbal, who was a qualified dentist in India but not yet eligible to practise in the UK, began taking over Howieson's receptionist duties, a role she had held for years.

According to The Metro, Maureen Howieson accused Mrs Iqbal of being 'rude and disrespectful' when they worked together.

She also claimed her colleague repeatedly ignored her and rolled her eyes if she spoke.

Mrs Iqbal rejected the claims, but the panel accepted the other woman's version of events.'

The situation escalated further in September 2024 when Ms Howieson was brought to tears at work, prompting her to have a meeting with the clinic owner, Dr Fary Johnson Vithayathil.

She had told a colleague she had been 'reduced to being a cleaner'.

The following day, Mrs Iqbal allegedly refused to leave the reception when Ms Howieson was meant to start her afternoon shift.

She was told that Dr Vithayathil's wife, the business manager, would speak with Mrs Iqbal, which didn't happen.

Ms Howieson ended up having a panic attack due to stress.

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US Court Rules Many Of Trump's Global Tariffs Are Illegal

A US appeals court on Friday ruled that many of President Donald Trump's tariffs, which have upended global trade, were illegal -- but allowed them to remain in place for now, giving him time to take the fight to the Supreme Court.

The 7-4 ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed a lower court's finding that Trump had exceeded his authority in tapping emergency economic powers to impose wide-ranging duties.

But the judges allowed the tariffs to stay in place through mid-October.

The decision marks a blow to the president, who has wielded duties as a wide-ranging economic policy tool.

It could also cast doubt over deals Trump has struck with major trading partners such as the European Union, and raised the question of what would happen to the billions of dollars collected by the United States since the tariffs were put in place if the conservative-majority Supreme Court does not back him.

Trump on Friday lashed out at the ruling, saying on his Truth Social platform that the appeals court "incorrectly said that our Tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end."

He added that he would fight back "with the help of the United States Supreme Court."

Since returning to the presidency in January, Trump has invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose "reciprocal" tariffs on almost all US trading partners, with a 10-percent baseline level and higher rates for dozens of economies.

He has invoked similar authorities to slap separate tariffs hitting Mexico, Canada and China over the flow of deadly drugs into the United States.

Friday's ruling noted that "the statute bestows significant authority on the President to undertake a number of actions in response to a declared national emergency, but none of these actions explicitly include the power to impose tariffs, duties, or the like, or the power to tax."

It added that it was not addressing if Trump's actions should have been taken as a matter of policy or deciding whether IEEPA authorizes any tariffs at all.

Instead, it sought to resolve the question of whether Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs and those imposed over trafficking were authorized, with the document noting: "We conclude they are not."

The US Court of International Trade ruled in May that Trump had overstepped his authority with across-the-board global levies.

Several legal challenges have been filed against the tariffs Trump invoked citing emergencies.

If these tariffs are ultimately ruled illegal, companies could possibly seek reimbursements.

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

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How Ukraine Destroyed 2 Russian Bridges Using A Pair Of Cheap Drones

Ukraine says it pulled off a major strike inside Russia using nothing more than a pair of cheap drones and sharp intelligence. Two bridges in Russia's Belgorod region, critical for Moscow's resupply routes, were destroyed after Ukrainian forces discovered they were being used to stockpile explosives.

According to Ukraine's 58th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade, the discovery came after unusual movements were spotted around one of the bridges near the Kharkiv border. Speaking to CNN, a brigade representative explained: "It became clear that something was going on there. We couldn't fly a regular reconnaissance drone under the bridge because the signal would simply disappear, so we flew in with a first-person-view drone equipped with fiber optics."

What they found was a jackpot: a massive pile of anti-tank mines and ammunition hidden beneath the bridge. "We saw the mines, and we struck," the brigade representative said. Video shows the drone flying directly into the stash, triggering a massive explosion. CNN verified the location of the strike in Russia's Belgorod region.

The soldiers didn't stop there. After the first blast, they scouted a second bridge. "After that, we decided to check the other bridge. We found it was also mined and we struck," the representative added. "(We) saw an opportunity and took it."

The operation was done at a bargain. Each drone used in the strikes cost just $600-$725, according to the brigade. As the representative noted, what would normally require expensive guided munitions or missile systems was achieved with simple first-person-view drones.

Ukraine has previously used HIMARS launchers to take down bridges, but those are pricey: Germany paid $30 million for just three systems last year, with each missile costing tens of thousands of dollars. By contrast, this latest mission was cheap and effective.

In a similar fashion, Kyiv's forces used small drones to damage or destroy dozens of Russian aircraft by sneaking them close to airfields in trucks in June.

While Russian forces push slowly forward on the frontlines and Russian President Vladimir Putin resists ceasefire talks, Ukraine continues to strike back.
 

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Sonu Sood Sells His Luxury Apartment For Rs 8 Crore In Mumbai: Report

Sonu Sood just made a solid real-estate move in South Mumbai. The actor sold his apartment in Mahalaxmi for ₹8.10 crore, walking away with a profit of almost ₹3 crore after holding the place for more than a decade.

The property is part of Lokhandwala Minerva, one of the well-known addresses in the area. According to documents reviewed by SquareYards, the deal was registered in August 2025. The apartment comes with a carpet area of 1,247 sq. ft. and a built-up area of about 1,497 sq. ft. Two parking spots are also included.

The paperwork from the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) shows that Sonu Sood had purchased the flat back in 2012 for ₹5.16 crore. That means after 13 years, he managed to make around ₹2.94 crore in profit. The transaction also carried a stamp duty of ₹48.60 lakh and a registration fee of ₹30,000.

Mahalaxmi, where the property sits, is one of South Mumbai's prime neighbourhoods. It is well-connected to Lower Parel, Worli and Nariman Point, and is packed with luxury towers that overlook the Arabian Sea and the racecourse.

On the work front, Sonu Sood was last seen in Fateh, which also marked his directorial debut. Talking about the film, the actor had told ANI, “I truly enjoyed directing the film, and it is about the experience and satisfaction you get as a director, so of course, get ready for the second soon.”

Fateh hit the cinema screens in January this year. The project featured Sonu Sood as Fateh Singh, Jacqueline Fernandez as Khushi Sharma, Vijay Raaz as Satya Prakash and Naseeruddin Shah as Raza. Nagineedu, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Prakash Belawadi, Ravi Kishan and Shiv Jyoti Rajput were also part of the movie. Fateh is currently available for streaming on JioHotstar.

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BCCI Blasted For 'Communication Gap' During Kohli, Rohit: "With Pujara..."

In the last few months, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from the Test format. The last week saw the retirement of Cheteshwar Pujara from Tests too. It's fair to say that the transition of Indian cricket in the longest format is here. A young team led by Shubman Gill has shown that they are ready to take on the world after drawing the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. 1983 World Cup winner Krishnamachari Srikkanth said there was a communication gap between the BCCI and the cricketers. He added that the BCCI should have spoken to Pujara to give him a better send-off.

"If you play 100 Tests for your country, you must be a terrific cricketer. So you should be given a good send-off. I am convinced there was a big communication gap when Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired. They should have spoken to them, but instead, this is not a good look for the game and Indian cricket," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel, as quoted by HT.

"Virat Kohli's retirement happened just like that. Virat Kohli deserved a better send-off. He still had two years of Test cricket left in him. But because we drew in England, such talks about him got shut off. However, India will find it difficult to get a cricketer like Virat Kohli for some time.

"Similarly with Pujara, though it's been a while since he played for India, they should have spoken to him also about his retirement plans. Of course, the player also has to cooperate and realize when their time is up. Had that happened, Pujara would have gotten a better send-off. But it's a matter of cooperation between the player, selectors, and the BCCI."

Having bid adieu to his stellar Test career as a content man, Indian Test batting great Cheteshwar Pujara wouldn't mind a coaching stint or a role at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in the next stage of his cricketing journey. Speaking to PTI days after announcing his retirement from all forms of cricket, Pujara not only gave a sneak peek into his future plans but also stressed the importance of old-school Test match batting.

He also reflected on his glorious 103-Test career, which yielded over 7,000 runs, his series-winning performances in Australia, and the contributions of his father and late mother.

"I've enjoyed the broadcasting work for sure. So, I'll definitely continue doing that. When it comes to coaching or any work at the NCA (Centre of Excellence), I'll be open to it," Pujara said.

"I haven't genuinely thought about it. Whenever there is any opportunity that arises, I'll try and take a call then...I've mentioned this earlier also that I would like to stay attached to the game.

"So, in whatever manner I can contribute to Indian cricket, I'll be more than happy to do so," he added.

The thought of retiring from the ground did not cross Pujara's mind, and he leaves the game with no regrets.

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MK Stalin's Photo With Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav Sparks DMK-BJP Face-Off

As DMK leader and Tamil Nadu MK Stalin joined Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav in the 'voter Adhikar yatra' on Wednesday to protest against the contentious Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar, this stirred up a series of reactions not just among the netizens but also drew sharp commentary from parties.

BJP took a swipe at the photo-op of three leaders and termed it "hopeless out-of-sync dynasts".

The verbal exchange between the BJP and DMK erupted after MK Stalin shared his photo with Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, soon after landing in Bihar and wrote, "The land of Lalu Prasad greets me with fire in its eyes, the soil heavy with every stolen vote."

This was seconded by DMK MP Kanimozhi, who also participated in the Voter Adhikar Yatra and called it a "march to defend democracy, protect the Constitution."

Kanimozhi, sharing the photo of the trio, called them 'the future of India'.

Taking to X, she wrote, "Together we rise, together we resist. The INDIA alliance joins hands in Bihar to voice out against the BJP's tyranny and to safeguard democracy."

"A government born out of questionable voting is not the people's government. This is a march to defend democracy, protect the Constitution, and uphold the people's mandate. UNITED, we raise our voice for INDIA's democracy," she further said.

BJP was quick to taunt the trio over the same photo-op, as K Annamalai tagged the same image saying, "Could you show me a picture of 3 hopeless out-of-sync dynasts? ChatGPT: Here we go!"

Further slamming Stalin's Bihar visit, the BJP raked up DMK leaders' disparaging remarks on Bihari residents, made in the past, and said, "His visit to Bihar is nothing but a political charade, an effort to whitewash the deep-seated disdain his party has shown towards Biharis."

"From calling them 'less intelligent' to blaming them for job losses, DMK's history is stained with disrespect. Now, as he stands beside Rahul Gandhi, will the people of Bihar overlook these insults?" the BJP said in the X post.l in the Vidhan Sabha to stop selling rooftops for commercial use and keep it only as a common area.

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

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Denmark Apologises For Forced Birth Control Scandal In Greenland

Denmark's prime minister on Wednesday presented a long-awaited apology to the victims of Denmark's forced contraception campaign in Greenland, lifting a key point of tension with its autonomous territory.

From the 1960s until 1992, Danish authorities forced around 4,500 Inuit women, around half of those of child-bearing age, to wear a contraceptive coil -- or intrauterine device (IUD) -- without their consent.

The aim was to reduce the Inuit birth rate.

Many of the women were left sterile and almost all of them have suffered from physical or psychological problems. 

Around 150 of them have sued the Danish state for violating their rights and demanded compensation.

"We cannot change what has happened. But we can take responsibility. Therefore, on behalf of Denmark, I would like to say: I am sorry," Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a statement.

The victims, who have sought an official apology for several years, welcomed her remarks.

"My clients are happy, it's a big step," Mads Pramming, the lawyer representing the 150 women. 

"Now it remains to be seen if the state will recognise its legal responsibility and offer compensation. Until that is done, I won't be opening the champagne," he said.

One of the victims, Henriette Berthelsen, told AFP she was pleased.

"I'm happy but it has perhaps come belatedly," she said, adding: "It generates a lot of thoughts."

She was 13 years old when she had a coil inserted for the first time, without her or her family's consent.

The scandal came to light when one of the victims spoke out in the media several years ago about the trauma she experienced. 

A podcast series by Danish public broadcaster DR in 2022 then revealed the full extent of the campaign.

'Like a rape'

Naja Lyberth was the first woman to come forward and publicly describe what happened to her.

She was around 13 or 14 when she and the other girls in her class were sent to the doctor's office.

"His tool penetrated me to insert the coil. It was very cold and felt like a knife stabbing my insides. It was very violent," she recalled.

"I could clearly see that the tools looked much too big for my little girl's body, but at the time I didn't realise they were for adult women."

"It was like torture, like a rape," she said.

The scandal is one of several sensitive dossiers tainting Denmark's ties to its autonomous territory, including forced adoptions and the forced removal of Greenlandic Inuit children from their families.

"We know that there are also other dark chapters that deal with systematic discrimination against Greenlanders. Just because they were Greenlanders," Frederiksen said.

"My apology on behalf of Denmark is also an apology for these other failures for which Denmark is responsible, where Greenlanders have been systematically treated differently and worse than other citizens of the kingdom."

Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953, and did not gain home rule until 1979.

The practice of forced contraceptions continued on a smaller scale after 1992, when Greenland took over responsibility for its health system.

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen also apologised in the same statement for the cases that happened under Greenland's control.

"I apologise to those of you who have been exposed to -- and lived with the consequences of -- interventions you did not ask for nor had control over," he said.

The apologies came the same day that Danish public television DR reported that US officials close to President Donald Trump have been observed in Greenland trying to gather information on sensitive topics which could be used to present Denmark in a bad light.

Trump has repeatedly said he wants to take over Greenland for security reasons, and has refused to rule out the use of force to secure the strategically located, resource-rich island.

Denmark's foreign ministry has summoned the US charge d'affaires for talks over what it said was "interference" in its affairs.

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

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'Thanks For Making My...': Kohli's Unique Message After Pujara's Retirement

Legendary Indian batter Virat Kohli congratulated compatriot and Test great Cheteshwar Pujara on the closure of a remarkable career in whites, also thanking India's designated number three batter for making his job at coming in at four much easier after blunting the new ball enough to be feasted on by the middle-order. Pujara called time on a successful international career for India on Sunday, marking an end to a 13-year career where he did the thankless job of tackling the new and shiny red ball, tiring down bowlers in order to make things easy for the Indian middle-order.

Pujara made his international debut against Australia in Bengaluru on October 9, 2010. He played a total of 103 Tests and amassed 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60. Pujara slammed 19 hundreds and 35 half-centuries throughout his international career, with a highest score of 206*. He also played five ODIs, scoring 51 runs.

Taking to his Instagram, Virat wrote on his story, "Thank you for making my job easier at 4 Pujji. You've had an amazing career. Congratulations and wish you the best for what's ahead. God bless."

With the type of technique, drive to stay for long, and consistency he enjoyed, Pujara could well have touched the coveted 10,000-run mark, something only three Indians have touched. But the most significant aspect of his game was the number of balls he faced while at the crease. His major blocking and knocking the ball around for occasional singles, doubles, or a boundary meant that the bowlers were left tired and demotivated, and the shine had worn off the ball, making it old enough to be dispatched to all corners of the park by more flamboyant strikers, be it Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajinkya Rahane, etc. From his debut in October 2010 to the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia in 2023, only four players faced more deliveries than Pujara's number of 16,217 in whites, namely Joe Root (19,562), Alastair Cook (17,534), Steven Smith (16,495), and Azhar Ali (16,301), as per ESPNcricinfo.

Only his predecessor, Rahul Dravid (10,524 runs in 134 Tests with 28 centuries) has more runs at this spot for India than Pujara's total of 6,529 runs (94 Tests at an average of 44.41, with 18 centuries), a proof of his quality of batsmanship and consistency.

Apart from international cricket, Pujara was a domestic legend with over 21,301 runs from 278 first-class games. He slammed 66 tons and 81 half-centuries throughout his first-class career.

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

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Boy, Diagnosed With Typhoid, Prescribed Drugs To Treat Diabetes, Heart Issue

A ten-year-old boy, who was diagnosed with typhoid and pneumonia, was prescribed medicines used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and heart-related chest pain (angina) in Maharashtra's Kalyan, close to Mumbai.

The negligence of the doctors has been reported from Manomi Multi Speciality Hospital in Kalyan's Aadharwadi Chowk.

The child was going to the hospital for treatment for three days when a doctor prescribed him these medicines. On one page, medicines usually prescribed for typhoid treatment were written, while on another, medicines which had no connection with the treatment of the disease were written.

He was prescribed Sitagliptin Phosphate and Metformin Hydrochloride tablets - used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and St Sprin 75 - used to treat and prevent heart attacks, strokes and heart-related chest pain.

His mother, Ankita Ravi Gaikwad, said that she went to the doctor to ask if the medicines were correct. "The doctor told us that the medicines were correct," she said.

The family got to know the purpose of these medicines when they took the boy to another doctor to get an injection.

"There we got to know that he was given these medicines for (treating) diabetes and other medicines," the mother had said.

The hospital administration has also confirmed the incident and said that the wrong medicine was indeed given to the child. They have also said that as soon as they realised the mistake, the child's family was informed not to give the medicine.

A doctor at the hospital said that Dr Rusha, who had the boy's case, was handling another patient as well and mistakenly mixed up the prescriptions.

"She didn't see what mistake she had made, and she told the boy to take the medicine," said Dr Sunny Singh.

"As soon as I came to the office in the morning. I inquired about the condition of the patients," he said, adding, as soon as he got to know about the mix-up, he informed the 10-year-old's family.

"I told him that he shouldn't take those medicines. I asked him to take the injection. I told him that the medicine was wrong and he should take the injection.

The boy's family has said that they would file a case against the hospital.

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Woman Stops Talking To Man. He Enters Her Home, Kills Her As Family Watches

A college student was shot dead at her home in West Bengal's Nadia district when a man forcefully entered her home and opened fire as her family watched helplessly.

The 19-year-old student Ishita Malik met the accused Debraj while she was pursuing studies in Kanchrapara and had reportedly stopped communicating with him recently. Spurned by the woman's sudden change in behaviour, the man reached her residence in Krishnanagar town on Monday.

When Debraj reached the girl's house around 2 pm, her family members stopped him from entering. He threatened them by showing a gun, entered the house, went to the girl's room and locked it from inside, police were quoted as saying by news agency IANS. Then came the sound of gunshots.

K Amarnath, the Superintendent of Police, Krishnanagar, told PTI that the woman was found lying in a pool of blood in her house, while Debraj was seen running away from the scene with a country-made revolver in his hand. She was rushed to the hospital, where she was declared dead.

The police are currently searching for the accused and a post-mortem report is awaited.

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"Shocking To See...": Sanju Samson On Playing In Kerala Cricket League

Named in India's Asia Cup 2025 squad, Sanju Samson has started his preparations in full swing. The wicket-keeper batter decided to join the Kochi franchise in the Kerala Cricket League, a state-level T20 tournament, to claim top form ahead of the start of the Asia Cup next month. Samson scored a match-winning 121 off just 51 balls to help his team win the thrilling contest. After the match, Samson opened up on his stint for Kochi in the state league, saying he was shocked to see the sort of talent that exists in Kerala.

It was a nail-biting contest between Kochi and Kollam, which saw Samson's team emerge triumphant after batter Muhammad Ashik scored a last-ball six.

"It's not easy to lose a game in front of your home crowd. So I thank all the people who turned up in huge numbers," Samson said after the game.

Sanju Samson turning pressure into PLEASURE since forever #KCL2025 pic.twitter.com/YOvBLdFrB8

— FanCode (@FanCode) August 24, 2025

The wicket-keeper batter also had no qualms in admitting that he doesn't know much about his teammates but is getting to understand them better as he spends time with the them in the dressing room and on the pitch.

"To be very honest, I'm not much aware of the boys. But as much as I'm spending time with them, I'm getting very excited. Very exciting talent in the team. It's a bit shocking to see we have so much talent in Kerala cricket. I request that we have to put in some special eyes in the local games going on, especially all the players. In the next one or two years, we should see one more guy playing for the country. And I can see that happening. With this talent, I don't think that we are much far away," said Samson.

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Indian Dead In New York Tourist Bus Crash. Was Returning From Niagara Falls

At least five people, including an Indian national, have been killed when a tour bus returning to New York City from Niagara Falls with 54 passengers crashed on a highway outside Buffalo, according to media reports.

The dead were identified as Shankar Kumar Jha, 65, from Bihar; Pinki Changrani, 60, of East Brunswick, New Jersey; Xie Hongzhuo, 22, of Beijing, China; Zhang Xiaolan, 55, of Jersey City, New Jersey; and Jian Mingli, 56, of Jersey City, New Jersey, ABC News reported.

The deadly crash occurred on Interstate 90 in Pembroke, near Buffalo, at 12.22 pm (local time) on Friday according to New York State Police.

The bus was travelling back to New York City after visiting Niagara Falls, with 54 people on board, including two bus company employees, police said.

Most of the passengers were Indian, Chinese or Filipino, New York State Police Trooper James O'Callaghan said during a press briefing.

He said the bus was travelling eastbound when the "vehicle lost control, went into the median, over-corrected, and ended up in the ditch".

State police said Saturday the bus had overturned and rolled off the I-90 on the south embankment.

The crash forced the closing of the Thruway in both directions. The eastbound lanes, which had remained closed into the evening, were reopened around 8.30 pm, about eight hours after the crash, and the westbound lanes reopened just after 5 pm, The Buffalo News reported.

Multiple people were ejected or thrown around the bus when it overturned, according to New York State Police Troop T Commander Maj. Andre Ray.

Ray said that five people were pronounced dead at the scene while many are still hospitalised. However, there were no other patients in a "life-threatening status", he added.

The bus, carrying passengers aged from 1 to 74, was operated by M&Y Tour Inc. out of Staten Island, Ray said.

A child was initially believed to have been among the fatalities, but that was later determined to be false, Ray said.

Investigators have ruled out mechanical failure and impairment or intoxication of the driver as causes of the crash, Buffalo News reported.

Trooper O'Callaghan said every passenger on the bus had at least some sort of “cut, bruise or abrasion as an injury”.

He said that the bus was “extremely damaged” and that many passengers had been ejected from the vehicle when it crashed. The driver was “alive and well”, he added.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, in a statement posted on X, said that she had been “briefed on the tragic tour bus accident” and that her office was “coordinating closely” with the State Police and other agencies that were responding to the crash.

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

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"I'm Tired": Hera Pheri Director Priyadarshan To Retire After 100th Film

Veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan is hinting at the final chapter of his celebrated career. The director, who is currently in Kochi shooting his big-budget Hindi film Haiwaan, revealed that he plans to retire from the industry after completing his 100th film. He also confirmed that Malayalam superstar Mohanlal will make a special cameo appearance in Haiwaan.

What's Happening

• Haiwaan brings together Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar in the lead roles, with Shriya Pilgaonkar and Saiyami Kher also playing important characters.
• The movie draws its core from Priyadarshan's 2016 Malayalam thriller Oppam. Bankrolled by KVN Productions and Thespian Films, the project is being mounted on a grand scale.
• In a conversation with OnManorama from the Panampilly Nagar set, Priyadarshan shared that Mohanlal will be seen in a surprise role in Haiwaan. "His character will definitely be a surprise for the audience," he said.
• The filmmaker added that his next directorial will once again feature the veteran Malayalam star, and this time in the lead, as it will mark his 100th film. He hinted at beginning work on the milestone project next year.
• On the subject of sequels, Priyadarshan shared that he rarely revisits his earlier works. However, he confirmed that he will direct Hera Pheri 3 after persistent requests from producers.
• "I don't usually revisit my original films with sequels - it's not my preferred style of working. But I will definitely make Hera Pheri 3, as the producers have been requesting it for a long time," he said.
• "Once I complete these films, I hope to retire. I'm getting tired," he added with a smile.

Background

Priyadarshan and Mohanlal worked together in Thiranottam (1978), where he played the protagonist and the former assisted director V. Ashok Kumar. Though the film was only released in 2005, it marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership. Their official collaboration as director and actor began with Poochakkoru Mookkuthi in 1984.

The ongoing Kochi schedule of Haiwaan has also stirred nostalgia. Priyadarshan pointed out that a major sequence is being shot at the same location where a key scene from Oppam was filmed nine years ago. After wrapping Kochi, the team will head to Vagamon, Ooty, and Mumbai for the remaining schedules. 

ALSO READ: Priyadarshan Reacts To Hera Pheri 3 Controversy: "There Was A Difference Of Opinion Which Has Been Sorted"

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Family Of Indian-Origin Truck Driver Behind US Crash Call For Light Penalty

'He is only 28', 'it was his bad luck' - the family and the entire village of Indian-origin trucker Harjinder Singh, who is staring at a potential 45-year jail sentence for allegedly causing a deadly crash in the US, is rallying behind him, calling for a lenient punishment.

A campaign has also been started online to generate support for the 28-year-old driver from Rataul village in Punjab's Tarn Taran district.

Harjinder (28) is facing charges of vehicular homicide in the US for allegedly causing a crash resulting in the death of three people on a Florida highway on August 12, according to a media report. He was driving a tractor-trailer and allegedly took an illegal U-turn.

After the accident, he fled to California but was brought back to Florida following the arrest, the New York Post reported on Thursday.

Dilbagh Singh, one of his relatives, said that Harjinder's family was not in a position to speak anything.

"The family is in shock," he said.

"We are also saddened over the death of three persons in the accident. Similar incidents have taken place earlier as well," Singh told reporters in Tarn Taran.

"His age is 28 years, and if he gets 45 years of jail, then you can imagine what will be the condition of his family," said Singh.

Singh appealed to the Sikh bodies to come forward to provide assistance to Harjinder.

He said that Harjinder had left for the US after mortgaging his land in 2018.

Harjinder's elder brother, Tejinder Singh, lives with his family and their mother in Tarn Taran. Their father is no more, and the family is engaged in farming.

Over a week after the incident, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a pause to all issuances of commercial truck driver work visas.

The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on US roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers, Rubio posted on social media.

Many locals in Rataul village came out in support of Harjinder and called him a hardworking person.

Though they acknowledged that Harjinder committed a mistake, they demanded that the US authorities should not award harsh punishment.

Village sarpanch Jashandeep Singh said they stand with the family and appealed that no harsh punishment be given to Harjinder.

An elderly villager also sought that the US government should show leniency towards Harjinder.

It was his bad luck that such an accident took place, he further said.

Another villager said Harjinder did not do it intentionally. The accidents do take place, he said.

Though it was his mistake to make a U-turn, he should not be awarded any harsh punishment, otherwise his entire life gets ruined, he said.

Shiromani Akali Dal MP from Bathinda, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, has urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to ensure counsellor access was provided to Harjinder, so that his case could be pleaded appropriately.

Meanwhile, a petition on an online platform change.org has been created by a group - Collective Punjabi Youth, calling for a reduced sentence for Harjinder, arguing that the tragic accident was not a deliberate act.

While accountability matters, the severity of the charges against him does not align with the circumstances of the incident, it said. It received over 18 lakh signatures in its support.

Badal has also urged the Centre to take up the issue of the freezing of work visas of all foreign truck drivers by the US following the fatal crash.

"Punjabi and Sikh drivers make up 20 per cent of the United State' trucking industry, with around 1.5 lakh Sikh drivers engaging in trucking in the US. Any mass-level action against them would have a detrimental effect on trucking families and would be discriminatory in nature, considering the fact that Punjabis have built and sustained trucking logistics and trucking networks over decades," she said.

Badal urged Jaishankar to convey to the US government that the Punjabi community had played a vital role in meeting the high demand for drivers and alleviating the stress of driver shortages on American consumers and its economy.

She said accordingly, it should be stressed that a mistake by one driver, which had resulted in a fatal accident, should not be used to punish the entire community.

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

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Scientists Find Hidden Amino Acid 'Switch' That Helps In Natural Fat Loss

Scientists in the United States have discovered a biological "switch" that could play a vital role in weight loss. The research highlights the importance of the amino acid cysteine, showing that its depletion can trigger the conversion of white fat, which stores energy, into brown fat, which burns calories and produces heat.

This process, the researchers explained, helps make the body's metabolic functions more efficient, offering a new way to understand how calorie reduction leads to weight loss. While earlier studies suggested cysteine might influence fat activity, this is the first direct evidence of its key role.

According to the team, keeping cysteine levels in check may serve as a new pathway for developing therapies to fight obesity and promote healthier metabolism.

"In addition to the dramatic weight loss and increase in fat burning resulting from the removal of cysteine, the amino acid is also central to redox balance and redox pathways in biology," said Dr Stadler, who directs the Oxidative Stress and Disease laboratory at Pennington Biomedical. "These results suggest future weight management strategies that might not rely exclusively on reducing caloric intake."

The research is based on results from trials involving both human participants and animal models. For the human trials, researchers examined fat tissue samples taken from trial participants who had actively restricted calorie intake over a year. When examining the fat tissue samples, they looked for changes in the thousands of metabolites, which are compounds formed when the body breaks down food and stores energy. The exploration of these metabolites indicated a reduced level of cysteine. 

"Reverse translation of a human caloric restriction trial identified a new player in energy metabolism," said Dr Ravussin, who holds the Douglas L Gordon Chair in Diabetes and Metabolism at Pennington Biomedical and oversees its Human Translation Physiology Lab. "Systemic cysteine depletion in mice causes weight loss with increased fat utilisation and browning of adipocytes."

The study has been featured in Nature Metabolism, a leading academic journal.

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Pressure Builds, Kerala Congress MLA Accused Of Misconduct Refuses To Resign

Having stepped down as the Kerala Youth Congress president following allegations of misconduct against women, Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil is now facing growing calls for resigning from the state Assembly as well. The controversy, which began with a social media post, has now snowballed into a full-blown political crisis with leaked audio clips, WhatsApp chats and fresh testimony adding to Mamkootathil's troubles. 

The latest trigger was an audio clip, aired on Thursday by a television channel, in which a male voice, purportedly Mamkootathil's, is heard pressuring a woman to undergo an abortion. The woman, resisting the demand, asserts that she loves her unborn child and can raise it independently, without seeking his support. 

The male voice counters that the pregnancy would "destroy" his life and is even heard saying, "To kill you, what do you think, I just need a few seconds." The clip has caused widespread outrage, with women's groups, opposition parties, and even sections of the Congress party demanding accountability.

Early Allegations 

The latest controversy began when actor and former journalist Rini Ann George alleged that a young politician in Kerala had sent her inappropriate messages and invited her to a hotel room three years ago. While she did not name Mamkootathil, her suggestion that the politician's attitude was "who cares" was seen as a pointed reference to him, especially since the MLA had used the same phrase when dismissing previous charges.

After this, more allegations surfaced. Avantika, a transgender woman, alleged that Mamkootathil had made offensive remarks to her, expressing interest in what he termed "rape sex" and suggesting meetings in Bangalore or Hyderabad to fulfil his fantasies. She told NDTV that the MLA had shared his rape fantasies with her.

Screenshots of WhatsApp chats purportedly sent by Mamkootathil to another woman, asking if he could visit her when she was alone at home, also began circulating on social media.

The MLA, however, has consistently denied wrongdoing. On August 21, he resigned from all organisational posts in the Congress, including his position as state Youth Congress president, but insisted that the decision was voluntary and not forced by party leadership. 

"No one has filed a complaint against me. Anyone can cook up a story. I resigned so that my colleagues don't have to spend time defending me," he told reporters, adding that he would continue as MLA.

Political Fallout

The allegations against Mamkootathil have given fresh ammunition to rival parties ahead of Assembly elections in Kerala next year. The BJP and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the CPI(M), have staged protest marches in Palakkad, accusing the Congress of shielding him. 

BJP leaders said the allegations were too grave to be ignored and accused the Congress of "double standards," arguing that the party has previously demanded action against others based on public allegations, even in the absence of formal complaints. 

The CPI(M) has also mounted pressure, with DYFI workers taking to the streets demanding that Rahul step down. The DYFI argues that an elected representative facing such serious accusations cannot continue in office until an investigation clears him.

Voices against Mamkootathil are beginning to be raised within the Congress as well. Several senior leaders and Youth Congress workers are learnt to have conveyed to the leadership that Mamkootathil's continuation as MLA damages the party's credibility, especially in the run-up to local body and Assembly polls. 

Critics within the Congress have also pointed to the contradiction in the party's defence. They note that while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has publicly raised allegations against the Election Commission without filing a formal complaint, the party is now dismissing allegations against Mamkootathil by insisting that no case has been registered.

Defiance

Despite mounting pressure, the Palakkad MLA remains defiant. Speaking from his residence in Adoor in Pathanamthitta district, he said: "Resignation is not even in my thoughts." Reiterating that none of the women who levelled allegations have filed legal complaints, he added, "If the CPI(M) wants, they can fabricate one. Let them complain, I can prove my innocence in court."

He argued that stepping down as Youth Congress president was merely a tactical move to allow party workers to focus on campaigning without being distracted by the controversy and insisted that relinquishing his MLA seat is unnecessary since no official charges have been brought against him.

Growing Pressure

However, pressure on him is unlikely to abate. Women's rights activists have called the audio clips "deeply disturbing" and demanded that the state leadership act decisively rather than wait for legal proceedings to begin. Opposition leaders have also stressed that public trust in elected representatives is paramount, and even unproven allegations of this nature severely damage credibility.

Mamkootathil had won the Palakkad Assembly by-election in November 2024 after Shafi Parambil vacated it upon winning the Vadakara Lok Sabha contest. He secured victory with a record margin of 18,724 votes, defeating the BJP's C Krishnakumar and CPI(M)-backed P Sarin. That commanding win is now overshadowed by controversy, with Mamkootathil's political future hanging in the balance.

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Locked In School Overnight, Head Stuck In Window: Class 2 Girl's Nightmare

A nightmare unfolded for a little girl and her family in Odisha on Thursday. The class 2 girl went to her school on Thursday morning, but didn't return home after her classes got over at 4 pm.

The staff of the government school locked the classroom and left for the day, failing to notice the 8-year-old girl was still inside. Her family looked for her all night but to no avail.

In a desperate attempt to escape, the girl tried to get out of a window with iron bars attached to it.

While she managed to get her entire body out of the window, her head got stuck between the bars. The girl, identified as Jyotsna Dehuri, had to spend the night in the same uncomfortable position.

The incident took place at the Government Upper Primary School at Anjar under Banspal block in Keonjhar district.

This morning, when the school cook came and opened the locks at 9 am, she saw the girl.

Then the villagers and the family members of the girl opened the door of the classroom and bent the iron bars to rescue her.

She was then rushed to the district headquarters hospital for treatment. The School and Mass Education Department has informed that the girl is now fine.

Taking the incident seriously, the district administration has suspended headmaster (in charge) Gourahari Mahanta, reported news agency PTI.

With inputs from Dev Kumar Ghosh.

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Serena Williams Reveals She Lost 14 kg Using Weight-Loss Drug: "I Feel Good"

Serena Williams has opened up about her weight loss journey, revealing she lost 31 pounds (14 kg) with the help of a weight loss drug. The 23-time Grand Slam champion started using a GLP-1 medication after her second child, as part of a paid partnership with healthcare company Ro. Williams didn't specify which GLP-1 medication she's taking, but shared that she initially used it inconsistently before becoming fully committed to the treatment. She's been working with Ro to normalise the use of weight loss medications and break down stigmas surrounding them.

According to Williams, the medication has not only helped her lose weight but also improved her overall health, with noticeable enhancements in her blood sugar levels and reduced joint pain.

"I feel great. I feel really good and healthy. I feel light physically and light mentally," she told People.

She also shared a video on Instagram, explaining the reasons behind her decision. "Taking care of yourself isn't a weakness, it's a power. I've never been about shortcuts, not in my career, and not in my health. I'm on a GLP-1 because it was the right tool to help me feel healthy," she wrote.

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The 43-year-old tennis star attributed the start of her weight struggles to 2017, following the birth of her daughter, Alexis Olympia, which was delivered via emergency C-section. She admitted that she was struggling to lose weight post-pregnancy, despite trying various methods such as intense workouts. She had also tried various diets, including vegan and vegetarian options, and a high-protein diet, as well as exercising regularly, often reaching 20,000 steps per day.

"A misconception is that it's a shortcut. As an athlete and as someone that has done everything, I just couldn't get my weight to where I needed to be at a healthy place — and believe me, I don't take shortcuts," she told Today.

"As a woman, you go through different cycles in your life. … No matter what I did — running, walking, I would walk for hours because they say that's good, I literally was playing a professional sport — and I could never go back to where I needed to be for my health. Then, after my second kid, it just got even harder. So, then I was like, OK, I have to try something different," she added. 

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Williams reported no side effects from the weight loss medication injections. She's now considering staying on the medication long-term, feeling like her body has found balance again. 

Serena Williams and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, Reddit's co-founder, have two daughters: 7-year-old Olympia and 2-year-old Adira. Notably, Ohanian is an investor in Ro, the healthcare company Williams partners with for her weight loss treatment.

How do GLP-1 drugs work?

GLP-1 drugs work by mimicking a natural hormone released after eating, leading to reduced appetite, feeling full faster, and slowed stomach emptying. These effects facilitate weight loss and also make the medications useful for treating diabetes by triggering insulin release.

Typically, GLP-1 medications are prescribed for obesity or diabetes, often in conjunction with recommended lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.

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"If Selectors Really Like Iyer, He Should...": Agarkar Sent Harsh Message

Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that the Indian selectors and management didn't do justice to in-form Shreyas Iyer by axing him from the 15-player squad for next month's Asia Cup. Shreyas' omission from the squad after a bumper Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season with Punjab Kings (PBKS) as captain has sparked criticism from fans and former cricketers. India's chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained Shreyas' absence during the squad announcement and told reporters, "With regards to Shreyas, it's not his fault, nor is it ours. It's just that you can pick 15, and at the moment you'll have to wait for his chance."

The majority have voiced in favour of the 30-year-old, citing several reasons for his inclusion in the highly anticipated tournament. Kaif has now joined the ranks and admitted that he has struggled to understand Shreyas' absence.

"Shreyas Iyer's name didn't come up; the selectors said that it was a difficult task to fit him since only 15 could be selected. I can understand all that. I approve of you in this. But even after praising him, his name wasn't even in the standbys," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

What surprised Kaif more was that Shreyas couldn't even find a seat in the reserves list. The former gun-fielder questioned the logic behind Dhruv Jurel being named in the reserves despite the presence of wicketkeepers Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma.

"There is Jaiswal in the list, and you have Jurel. There is no need for Jurel. If the selectors really like Iyer, he should have been named in the standbys. If someone got injured, he could've gone there," he said.

"You won't see Shreyas Iyer in the Asia Cup, which I think was wrong. His name should be in the standbys 100 per cent. Speaking of Jurel, you see Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson are already there in the squad. You pick Jurel there, and kept Parag in the standbys. I think there is no justice with Shreyas Iyer," he added.

Shreyas was India's highest run-getter and overall second-highest run-getter in CT 2025, with 243 runs in five matches at an average of 48.60, with two fifties and a best score of 79.

He concluded his run in IPL 2025 as the sixth-highest run-getter, after garnering 604 runs in 17 matches and innings at an average of 50.33, at a strike rate of 175.07 and six fifties. His best score was 97*.

Another name that caught many by surprise was the explosive all-rounder Rinku Singh. Despite an underwhelming run with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, Rinku still remained in the grand scheme of things. According to Kaif, Rinku's stint in the UP T20 League, especially with the ball, could have swayed the selectors' minds.

"Rinku Singh's selection, in my opinion, is because in the UPT20 League, he is bowling in the tournament as well. Since Washington Sundar is not in the 15-member squad, even Rinku Singh can bowl 2-3 overs on the UAE pitch," he said.

India will kick off their campaign against the UAE on September 10, while the high-voltage game against Pakistan is scheduled for September 14, with both fixtures set to be played in Dubai. India will play their final group stage fixture against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.

Team India squad for Asia Cup: Surya Kumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh

Reserve players: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal.

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

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"Sitting Out Got...": Ashwin Bares It All On Retirement In Chat With Dravid

Indian cricket great Ravichandran Ashwin shocked all when he announced a sudden retirement during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in December, 2024. Following the third Test match against Australia in Brisbane, Ashwin made the announcement in the post-match press conference along with skipper Rohit Sharma after the game ended in a draw. Ashwin retired from the game as the second highest wicket-taker for India in Tests with 537 scalps in 106 games, leaving him only behind Anil Kumble (619 wickets). Ashwin continue to play domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). 

"I think it was just the time, and where I stood in my life, right? I think I was pretty old, I must admit," said Ashwin, "But going on tours, and you know, having to just sit out a lot more, it just eventually got to me." 

Ashwin added he wanted to spend more time with family. "I mean, not in terms of not wanting to contribute to the team, but you're thinking if I would rather be at home, spending time with children. They are also growing up, and what am I actually doing?" said the off-spinner. "i just felt, ok. In my head, I always decided that I would retire at 34-35."

Ashwin spearheaded the bowling attack and was a major face behind India's rise to the top and eventual domination in Test cricket that lasted from 2014 to 2019.

When one turns to look at his dominance in the home conditions, he was a phenom. His expertise wasn't just limited to the ball but also some impactful contributions with the bat.

In the white-ball format, Ashwin made 181 appearances and snatched 228 wickets. He made 116 ODI appearances and took 156 wickets at an average of 33.20, with best figures of 4/25. He also made 707 runs at an average of 16.44, with one fifty, a knock of 65 in 63 innings. He is the 13th-highest wicket-taker in ODIs for India.

In 65 T20Is, he took 72 wickets at an average of 23.22. His best figures are 4/8. He also scored 184 runs in 19 innings at an average of 26.28, with best score of 31. He is the sixth-highest wicket-taker for India in T20Is.

With 765 scalps in 287 matches, he is India's second-highest wicket-taker across all formats, next to Kumble (953). He also won the 2011 50-Over World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy with India.

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Bhupesh Baghel's Son Jailed In Same Prison As Father, Grandfather

A barrack in Raipur Central Jail is now at the centre of a unique political story. The same barrack has housed three generations of the Baghel family: former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, his father, the late Nand Kumar Baghel, and now his son, Chaitanya Baghel, who is currently lodged there in connection with the alleged liquor scam. This rare coincidence is drawing attention and is likely to be remembered in the political circles of Chhattisgarh for years to come. 

Three Generations, One Barrack

In 2021, Nand Kumar Baghel, father of former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel and Chaitanya Baghel's grandfather, was jailed in Raipur for controversial remarks against Brahmins. He was arrested in Agra over his book titled 'Brahmin Kumar Ravan Ko Mat Maro', sparking political controversy. At the time, Bhupesh Baghel's own government was in power, and he stated, "The law will take its course." Notably, Nand Kumar Baghel was lodged in the same barrack where his grandson Chaitanya Baghel is now imprisoned.

Bhupesh Baghel's 2017 Jail Stay In Same Barrack

In 2017, during the alleged sex CD scandal, Bhupesh Baghel, then Chhattisgarh Congress chief, was arrested after his aide Vinod Verma's detention triggered political uproar. Under Raman Singh's BJP government, Baghel refused to seek bail and chose to remain in judicial custody, declaring he would observe Satyagraha in jail. Although later acquitted, he was lodged in the same Raipur jail barrack where his son Chaitanya Baghel is currently imprisoned.

Chaitanya Baghel Draws Strength From Family Legacy In Jail

Chaitanya Baghel, the third generation of the Baghel family to be lodged in Raipur jail, has been in custody since July 18, 2025. According to sources, he often reflects on the time his father and grandfather spent in the same barrack. During his time in jail, Chaitanya has reportedly read two books: The Discovery of India by Jawaharlal Nehru and The Story of My Experiments with Truth, Mahatma Gandhi's autobiography. On Tuesday, the court extended his remand by four days.

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How SRK Reacted To Aryan's Edgy Show: "Will He Put Mannat CCTV On YouTube?"

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is a proud father today. The actor launched his son Aryan Khan's directorial debut The Ba***ds of Bollywood on Wednesday at a star-studded preview event in Mumbai.

Shah Rukh Khan, who has backed the Netflix series through his production banner Red Chillies Entertainment, at the special showcase opened up about initially having mixed feelings about The Ba***ds of Bollywood.

The actor said he was a bit sceptical when Aryan Khan first told him about making a show on Bollywood.

"When Aryan told me he was going to make a show on Bollywood, that it would be raw, edgy, and would have some madness to it," he said.

"I thought, 'Is he going to share the CCTV footage of Mannat on YouTube?'" Shah Rukh Khan quipped.

The actor-producer, however, later heaped praises on his son's show The Ba***ds of Bollywood, calling it something that was "fresh and unique".

"If I'm being honest, it took me a while to really catch on and catch the tone of the show. Once I did, I was completely drawn in and honestly, I'm really, really happy about it.

"But not only about the show, the entire cast that has come together for the story because it's the characters that breathe life in a story and create magic on screen. Hindi mein boloon toh bahut hee dhaasu acting ki hai sabne, bahut hee phaadoo performances hain sabke (If I say it in Hindi, then all actors have a done fantastic job, the performances are fabulous)" Shah Rukh Khan said.

The highly-anticipated show follows an ambitious outsider, played by Lakshya, and his friends as they navigate the larger-than-life yet uncertain world of Bollywood. It also stars Sahher Bambba, Raghav Juyal, Mona Singh, Manoj Pahwa, Bobby Deol, and Gautami Kapoor, with cameos by Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, and Karan Johar.

The Ba***ds of Bollywood is co-created by Bilal Siddiqi and Manav Chauhan, who also share writing credits with Aryan Khan. It will start streaming on Netflix from September 18.

Also Read | In The Ba***ds Of Bollywood Preview, Aryan Khan Hits Bahut Hard With Punches And Drama

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"Untenable": Centre As Nepal Objects To India-China Trade Through Lipulekh

India on Wednesday rejected Nepal's opposition to the resumption of border trade with China through the Lipulekh Pass, calling Kathmandu's territorial claims "unjustified, untenable, and not supported by historical facts."

The statement came after Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs objected to the reopening of India-China trade through the Himalayan pass, a route that cuts through the Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura region. Kathmandu maintains the territory lies within Nepal, citing its map and historical treaties.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India's position was "consistent and clear."

"We have noted the comments of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal related to resumption of border trade between India and China through the Lipulekh Pass. Our position in this regard has been consistent and clear. Border trade between India and China through Lipulekh pass had commenced in 1954 and has been going on for decades. This trade had been disrupted in recent years due to Covid and other developments, and both sides have now agreed to resume it," he said in a statement. 

Mr Jaiswal called it a "unilateral act" and termed as "untenable" the "artificial enlargement" of the territorial claims by Nepal. India maintains Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura belongs to it.

Addressing Nepal's objections, Mr Jaiswal said, "As regards territorial claims, our position remains that such claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence. Any unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims is untenable. India remains open to constructive interaction with Nepal on resolving agreed outstanding boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy." 

Nepal shares a border of over 1,850 km with five Indian states - Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. 

On Wednesday Nepal said that the territory is its inseparable part and also incorporated in its official map.

"The Nepal government is clear that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani, situated East of Mahakali river, are inseparable parts of Nepal. These are also officially incorporated in the Nepalese map, included in the Constitution as well," the Nepal foreign ministry said.

A joint document released on Tuesday after wide-ranging talks in New Delhi between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said both sides agreed to re-open border trade through the three designated trading points, namely Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass and Nathu La Pass.

The Nepal foreign ministry statement comes in response to questions raised by Nepalese media regarding the announcement by India and China to resume border trade through Lipulekh.

"It is a well-known fact that the Nepal government has been requesting the government of India not to construct or expand roads and indulge in any kind of activity such as border trade in the territory," read the statement issued by spokesperson of the foreign ministry, Lok Bahadur Chhetri.

"It is also well known that the Nepal government has already informed the government of China that the area lies in Nepalese territory," it added.

"The Nepal government is committed to resolving the border issue between the two countries through diplomatic channels on the basis of historical treaty - agreement, facts, map and other evidence complying with the spirit of cordial and friendly relations existing between Nepal and India," read the statement.

On June 18, 2020, Nepal completed the process to update the country's political map by incorporating three strategically important areas Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura areas by amending its Constitution.

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Akram Under Fire, Cyber Crime Complaint Filed Against Pakistan Great: Report

A complaint has been filed against former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram for allegedly endorsing and associating with an online "gambling and betting" platform related to sports, an official said on Tuesday. A complainant, Muhammad Fiaz, has filed an application with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Lahore, seeking legal action against Akram for allegedly promoting a gambling and betting app. He said the former fast bowler was linked with a foreign betting app — Baji — as its brand ambassador.

"A poster circulating on social media and a video clip show Wasim Akram endorsing the online platform, which has sparked interest among general users in the app," the complainant said.

He requested the NCCIA to take strict legal action against Akram under the Electronic Crimes Act of 2016.

An NCCIA official told PTI on Tuesday that it had received a complaint against Akram for being a brand ambassador of a foreign betting app and said, "We will take action against him if the allegations are found to be true."

Akram has not yet issued any statement regarding the matter. In connection with the promotion of the same online app, famous TikToker and YouTuber Saad-ur-Rehman, popularly known as Ducky Bhai, was arrested on Saturday.

Recently, Wasim Akram, Pakistan great and one of the most lethal pacers in the history of the game, was impressed by Mohammed Siraj and termed his performance against England as “the best" he has seen in the recent past.

"I rarely watch cricket when I'm not working, but I was glued to the last day. Siraj was full of hunger and passion – it was an incredible effort. To bowl nearly 186 overs across five Tests and still be that fiery on the final day shows remarkable stamina and mental strength. He's not just a support bowler anymore. He's leading the attack and doing it with heart. Even when a catch went down– that of Brook – he didn't lose focus. That's the mark of a fighter. Test cricket is alive and kicking," Akram said in an interview to Telecom Asia Sport.

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

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"Is This A Joke": 3,000 Bighas Of Land For Cement Firm Outrages High Court

A video of a court proceeding of Gauhati High Court that was live streamed, has gone viral on social media where the court is heard raising concern over the allotment of nearly 3,000 bighas of land in Assam's Dima Hasao district to a cement company for mining of limestone.

In the video, Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi expressed astonishment at the scale of the land grant.

"3,000 bighas! The entire district? What is going on? 3,000 bighas allotted to a private company? We know how barren the land is... 3,000 bighas? What kind of decision is this? Is this some kind of joke or what? Your need is not the issue, public interest is the issue," he is heard saying.

The court's observations came in response to submissions regarding the company's operations in the hill district. 

Counsel representing the cement firm argued that the land allotted was barren and required for the functioning of the plant.

A Congress delegation, led by Assam Pradesh Congress Committee chief Bhupen Kumar Borah and Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia, meanwhile met the Governor to express the grievances of local communities from Borolokhindong, Tharvelangso, and surrounding villages regarding the proposed mining project.

According to their memorandum, the state government's decision to allocate land in Dima Hasao for mining is being done to favour a corporate entity allegedly linked to the ruling BJP, without considering the welfare and sentiments of the indigenous people.

"The Chief Minister of Assam is making moves to allocate approximately 9,000 bighas of land in the Dima Hasao district to benefit a corporate group with close ties to the BJP. The state government is disregarding the concerns and sentiments of the indigenous communities in Dima Hasao. This issue is a matter of survival and safeguarding the land and rights of the district's local people," the memorandum read.

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Ukraine Ghost Sniper Shoots 2 Russian Troops In World's Longest Ever Kill

Ukraine's "Pryvyd" (Ghost) sniper unit has claimed to have set the record for the longest confirmed sniper kill, shooting down two Russian soldiers from a distance of around 4 kilometres. The shot, fired from a Ukrainian-made 14.5mm "Alligator" rifle, was guided to its target with the help of artificial intelligence and drones, according to a report by Defense Express.

A video of the military action is being widely circulated on social media, showing the moment a Ukrainian soldier fired the "historic" shot near the city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine during fighting on August 14.

Ukraine's former deputy minister at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Anton Gerashchenko, shared the video on X and wrote, "A Ukrainian sniper from the Pryvyd (Ghost) group made the first successful shot in the history of wars using artificial intelligence, eliminating two Russian occupiers in the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad direction."

A historic sniper shot at a record distance of 4,000 meters!

A Ukrainian sniper from the Pryvyd (Ghost) group made the first successful shot in the history of wars using artificial intelligence, eliminating two Russian occupiers in the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad direction.

The unique… https://t.co/102ULlYDuA pic.twitter.com/Afh8jRto7V

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) August 15, 2025

"The unique shot, made without line of sight, was guided by a UAV system and fired from a 14.5 mm Aligator rifle equipped with a Ukrainian-made thermal imaging sight," he added.

The previous world record for a confirmed sniper kill from the largest distance was also held by a Ukrainian soldier, Viacheslav Kovalskyi. The 58-year-old veteran sniper from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reportedly killed a Russian troop from a distance of 3.8 kilometres in November 2023, using a UK-made Horizon's Lord sniper rifle. Last week's shot reportedly beat the previous world record. 

According to Ukrainian military expert Yuri Butusov, the bullet went through the window behind which the Russian soldiers were standing.

About The "Alligator" Rifle

The "Alligator" rifle is a 14.5mm calibre sniper rifle with a muzzle velocity of between 3,215 and 3,281 feet per second, according to Defense Express report. 

It is manufactured by Kharkiv-based arms company XADO-Holding and has an effective range of 1.2 miles. The rifle weighs 25 kilograms, and was reportedly designed to disable equipment rather than kill targets.
 

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