Month: September 2025

As India and Pakistan get ready to lock horns in their first Super Four stage encounter of the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai on Sunday, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has backed Suryakumar Yadav’s men to come out on top.

Confident of India’s dominance, Shukla said, “India will win the match.”

The two sides last met in the group stage, where India registered a convincing seven-wicket victory.

This is the second clash between these two nations following the Pahalgam terror attack in April and the consequent launching of Operation Sindoor by the Indian Armed Forces against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in May. India won the first clash one-sided, carrying out a comfortable chase of 128 runs with seven wickets in hand, and spinner Kuldeep Yadav played a crucial hand with a ‘Player of the Match’-winning bowling spell of 3/18, which restricted Pakistan to 127/9.

However, just like it is with a lot of India-Pakistan clashes, the real ‘masala’ was produced off the field, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube walking off the field after the win without shaking hands with the Pakistani side, with the TV visuals even showing the Men in Blue shutting their door on Pakistan. The Indian captain dedicated the win to the Indian armed forces and expressed solidarity with the Pahalgam terror attack victims.

Following Surya’s post-match interview, Pakistan skipper Salman Agha did not attend the post-match presentation, and coach Mike Hesson was sent to face the press. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later filed a complaint against Pycroft, alleging him of ‘violation of ICC Code of Conduct’ and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) laws related to the spirit of cricket.

Ahead of their next clash against the UAE, Pakistan cancelled their pre-match presser. On the day of the match, the team locked themselves inside the hotel, with PCB threatening to pull out of the tournament if Pycroft was not removed from the tournament. The match was delayed for an hour, and after a meeting between Pycroft and the Pakistan team’s leadership group, the match went ahead, and Pakistan won to march to the Super Four stage. Notably, ahead of this India clash too, Pakistan cancelled its pre-match presser.

Notably, it emerged later, as per ESPNCricinfo, that Pycroft was made aware of the ‘no handshake’ between both captains just ‘four minutes ahead of the toss’ by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) venue manager, and he was barely a messenger and not the one behind the instruction.

Also, soon after Pycroft’s meeting with the Pakistan party, PCB released a statement claiming an apology came from the match referee. ICC is believed to be unhappy with it, and the idea of a response “clarifying” the situation was discussed, though it is still uncertain if it would be made. PCB also released a short video of the meeting despite concerns raised during it that a video would be recorded. The video was allowed to be posted without audio.

With so much having taken place off the field, the controversy no doubt would be on the back of the minds of both skippers to some extent. While India will continue playing its ruthless brand of cricket like they have for the past few months, Pakistan, a highly unpredictable T20I side, could use this entire episode as fuel to perhaps spring up a few surprises and play much better. (ANI)

Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor on hte occassion of her birthday on Sunday recieved a special wish from her sister Karisma Kapoor.

Karisma shared an adorable picture with “precious sister” Kareena and wrote, “Best sister, Best friends and Beyond..Happy birthday to my most precious sister.. Love you mostest”

After her post, several other celebrity friends, family members and fans extended heartfelt birthday wishes.

While Saba Pataudi, Riddhima Kapoor, and Bhumi Pednekar dropped heart emojis, one of the social media users wrote, “Favourite Kapoor sister forever ever ever happy Birthday to the one and only my favourite Kareena Kapoor Khan gorgeous lady in the world”

Kareena Kapoor, daughter of actors Randhir Kapoor and Babita, made her Bollywood debut in 2000 with the film Refugee and has since established herself as one of the leading actresses of the industry with hits like Jab We Met, 3 Idiots, and Tanu Weds Manu.

She will be next seen sharing screen space with Prithviraj Sukumaran in Meghna Gulzar’s ‘Daayra’.In April, they all met for a brief meeting and officially announced the film.

Excited to work with “dream team”, Kareena on Instagram wrote,”I’ve always said that I’m a director’s actor… and this time I cannot wait to work with one of the finest director’s we have, @meghnagulzar and alongside the magnificent @therealprithvi, whose work I deeply admire. To my dream team, #Daayra (red heart emoji) let’s do this.”

In a press note, Kareena further stated, “As I celebrate 25 incredible years in Hindi cinema, I’m thrilled to announce my next film, Daayra, with the incredible Meghna Gulzar in the director’s chair. I’ve long admired her work, from Talvar to Raazi, and to be directed by her is a dream come true. The opportunity to collaborate with the talented Prithviraj is also a highlight, and I’m drawn to the film’s bold, thought-provoking narrative.”

As per Meghna, “Daayra is a story that compels you to reflect on the society we live in and its institutions that pilot us.” (ANI)

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday arrived in her parliamentary constituency in Kerala’s Wayanad to attend the Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi program in Wayanad and said his message of equality and compassion is deeply needed in society and politics today.

Addressing reporters here, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “…The concepts of equality, compassion for all beings – this is very much needed in society today, in the whole political class as well. So, it’s an honour for me to remember him (Sree Narayana Guru) and to be here to pay my respects to him today…”

Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi also arrived to participate in the Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi program at SNDP Yogam Kalpetta Union Hall in Wayanad.

Sree Narayana Guru (20 August 1856 – 20 September 1928) was a saint, philosopher, spiritual leader, and social reformer from Kerala.

The Guru actively promoted education, cleanliness, devotion to God, organisation, and agriculture. He encouraged industries as a means for economic independence. He believed that with skills, hard work, knowledge, education, and a clean-living environment, subjugated people could transform themselves into self-confident, self-respecting, fearless, and morally and financially strong communities.

Earlier on September 14, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited the Bishop House in Thamarassery and met Bishop Remigiose Inchananiyil.

Bishop Inchananiyil, said representation of their community in the Parliament and man-animal conflict in the region were among the main issues discussed.

Addressing reporters, Bishop Inchananiyil said, “It was a totally personal visit. She requested this personal visit. Personal things were discussed; no political issues or requirements of the community were discussed. But I presented my issues in front of her. Main issue I addressed was to represent the community in the Parliament and the issue related to the conflict between man and wild animals.” (ANI)

Actor Mohanlal will soon receive Indian cinema’s highest honour, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, at the 71st National Film Awards, set to take place on September 23.

The veteran star, who has worked for more than four decades in Malayalam cinema and beyond, called the award a tribute to the entire Malayalam film industry.

Speaking to ANI, Mohanlal said he views the award as something much bigger than himself. The Drishyam actor explained that since the honour is returning to Malayalam cinema after “20 years,” it belongs to all the artists who have shaped him as an actor.

“This is a tribute to the Malayalam film industry. After 20 years, this award is coming back to the Malayalam film industry. So, I am sharing this award with the Malayalam industry. I share this with all the great artists who work with me in Malayalam cinema, who have shaped me, who brought the artist in me, and who have shown beautiful light on my graceful walk in the industry. I share all my love and respect with them. When I heard that I was receiving the award, it was the greatest moment of my life,” said Mohanlal.

Calling it one of the “finest moments” of his life, the actor added, “When I heard that I got this, I thought, ‘What is happening? Is this for real?’–the highest award for an actor in the Indian film industry. So, this is a great moment, but I am sharing the credit with all my fellow members of this fraternity. I am sharing the respect with all the artists, directors, producers, and with everyone who works with me on sets, who loves me, and my fans.”

Earlier in the day, while addressing mediapersons in Kochi, the actor, often called one of the finest stars of Indian cinema, shared that he felt this award was not just his own but belonged to Malayalam cinema as a whole. He also recalled the moment when he was informed about receiving the honour, which he described as feeling like “a wild dream.”

In a career spanning over four decades, Mohanlal has worked in numerous films across various genres. Known primarily for his work in Malayalam films, Mohanlal has also featured in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi films. He has received numerous accolades, including National Awards and the prestigious Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. As another feather in his cap, Mohanlal will be presented with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony, set to be held on September 23, 2025. (ANI)

French President Emmanuel Macron has sharply criticised Israel’s settlement expansion plans in the occupied West Bank, calling it a “political project” aimed at undermining the possibility of a two-state solution and denying Palestinians their right to peace.

In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12 News, Macron drew a clear distinction between the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, saying the latter has no direct connection to Hamas and that restarting settlement activities there demonstrates political motives beyond security concerns.

“West Bank has nothing to do with Hamas, and when people start saying our answer either to the recognition or to the situation will be to restart settlements in the West Bank, this is the best evidence of the fact that this is a political project whose objective is not to dismantle Hamas but to kill the possibility of the two states and to deny the right of Palestinian people to live in peace in the region,” he said.

Macron was referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial settlement expansion plans in the occupied West Bank, which were officially approved by the Israeli PM earlier this month.

According to Al Jazeera, Netanyahu signed off on the plan, which aims to create a settlement corridor that would split the West Bank in two.

He further declared that “there will be no Palestinian state” while making the announcement.

The targeted area, known as E1 (East 1), covers about 12 square kilometres (4.6 square miles) and lies to the east of Jerusalem. The expansion includes the construction of 3,400 new housing units for Israeli settlers, as reported by Al Jazeera.

If carried out, the project would sever key parts of the West Bank from occupied East Jerusalem, while simultaneously connecting a network of Israeli settlements throughout the region.

East Jerusalem holds deep importance for Palestinians, who see it as the future capital of a sovereign state. Under international law, all Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, seized by Israel in the 1967 war, are deemed illegal, regardless of any authorisation by Israeli authorities.

During the interview with Channel 12 News, the French President also condemned Israel’s military operations in Gaza, calling them “counterproductive” and a “failure”, particularly due to the high civilian death toll.

He stated that such actions by Tel Aviv take away the “credibility” of the operation, not just in the region but everywhere. “Having this type of operation in Gaza is totally counterproductive because this is, I have to say, a failure. The second point is that you are making so many civilian casualties and victims that you are completely destroying the image and the credibility of Israel — not just in the region but in public opinion everywhere,” he said.

Macron emphasised that actions leading to such widespread suffering and destruction violate international norms and harm Israel’s standing globally. “This is a huge mistake, this is absolutely unacceptable, this is totally noncompliant with international rules, and I’m not for a double standard,” he added.

Since October 2023, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 65,208 people and injuries to 166,271 others, based on health ministry figures, as reported by Al Jazeera. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on Sunday at 5 pm.

This comes on the eve of Navaratri that begins on Monday and coincides with the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms.

Earlier this month, the GST Council brought the GST reforms that slashed the 12 and 28 per cent slabs. The decision was announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on September 3, after she chaired the GST council meeting.

Additionally, there is also a 40 per cent slab for luxury and sin goods, including tobacco and pan Masala, products like cigarettes, bidis, and aerated sugary beverages and on luxury vehicles, high-end motorcycles above 350cc, yachts, and helicopters.

Earlier today, PM took to X to wish the nation on the occasion of Mahayala

“Wishing you all Shubho Mahalaya! As the sacred days of Durga Puja draw near, may our lives be filled with light and purpose. May the divine blessings of Maa Durga bring unwavering strength, lasting joy and wonderful health,” PM Modi wrote.

Meanwhile, PM Modi will visit Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura tomorrow.

According to a press release by PMO, he will lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 5,100 crore at Itanagar. He will also address a public function.

He will visit Tripura and perform Pooja and Darshan, and inaugurate the development work of ‘Mata Tripura Sundari Temple Complex’ at Matabari.

Promoting sustainable energy generation in the region, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of two major hydropower projects worth over Rs 3,700 crore in Itanagar.

The Heo Hydro Electric Project (240 MW) and Tato-I Hydro Electric Project (186 MW) will be developed in the Siyom sub-basin of Arunachal Pradesh, the press release stated.

The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of a state-of-the-art Convention Centre at Tawang. Located at over 9,820 feet in the frontier district of Tawang, the centre will serve as a landmark facility to host national and international conferences, cultural festivals, and exhibitions.

Prime Minister will also launch multiple key infrastructure projects worth over Rs 1,290 crore, catering to various sectors including connectivity, health, fire safety, working women hostels, among others, the press release said. (ANI)

Karnataka Home Minister G Parmeshwara has said that the data from the caste survey to be conducted in the state from September 22 to October 7 will not be used for any reservation, but can be used for governmental programmes for those in need.

“It is not the question of any particular caste. It is only to enumerate the numbers of each particular caste. This is not going to be used for any reservations,” Parmeshwara told ANI.

“It is to see whether educationally or in terms of progress, how far these communities have come after Independence. So after this, I think the data can be used for governmental programmes or to make any special programmes for those who have been deprived. This is the basic idea of this enumeration of the data,” he added.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to conduct a caste survey in the state, describing it as an essential step to ensure equal opportunities for disadvantaged communities.

Speaking to reporters in Gadag, CM Siddaramaiah clarified that the exercise was not merely a caste count but a comprehensive assessment of the state’s social fabric.

“The survey proposed to be conducted in the state is not just a caste survey, but an economic, social and educational survey. This survey is being conducted to provide equal opportunities to the disadvantaged by obtaining details of the caste of the people, as well as their economic, social and educational conditions,” Siddaramaiah said.

Rejecting criticisms and conspiracy theories surrounding the survey, the Chief Minister said, “The Central government will also conduct a caste survey, and will there be a conspiracy in that too? No minister has expressed opposition to the survey. To bring equality in society, the poor should be given priority in government schemes.”

Responding to the BJP’s request to the Governor to instruct him to reconsider the survey decision, he said, “The BJP is doing politics in the survey issue. There is no question of dividing caste in the survey issue.”

On the inclusion of the Kuruba community in the Schedule Tribe category, he said that the previous BJP government had made the recommendation to include the Kuruba community in ST. But the Central government has returned this proposal, and the government will give an explanation for it. The decision to include any community in ST will be made by the Central government. (ANI)

The US Chamber of Commerce has expressed concern over the Trump Administration’s H-1B Executive Order, warning of its impact on employees, their families and employers.

“We’re concerned about the impact on employees, their families, and employers. We’re working with the Administration and our members to understand the full implications and the best path forward,” the Chamber said in a statement on Saturday.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) signed an Executive Order raising the fee for companies sponsoring H-1B applicants to USD 100,000.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) clarified that the fee will only apply to new applications filed after September 21, and not to petitions already submitted.

“This proclamation only applies prospectively to petitions that have not yet been filed. The proclamation does not apply to aliens who: are the beneficiaries of petitions that were filed prior to the effective date of the proclamation, are the beneficiaries of currently approved petitions, or are in possession of validly issued H-1B non-immigrant visas,” USCIS Director Joseph B Edlow said in a memorandum on Saturday.

House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the same, adding that the fee is a one-time charge, not an annual levy.

“To be clear: This is NOT an annual fee. It’s a one-time fee that applies only to the petition. This applies only to new visas, not renewals, and not current visa holders,” Karoline Leavitt said in a post on X.

She also informed that the fee will not be charged on H-1B visa holders who are currently outside of the country.

“Those who already hold H-1B visas and are currently outside of the country right now will NOT be charged $100,000 to re-enter. H-1B visa holders can leave and re-enter the country to the same extent as they normally would; whatever ability they have to do that is not impacted by yesterday’s proclamation,” she said.

She further said that the fee hike on H-1B visas will be applied in the upcoming lottery cycle.

With 71-72 per cent of H-1B visas going to Indians, the move has sparked concerns about its effects on Indian tech professionals and remittances.

The Indian government has advised all its Missions/ Posts to extend all possible help to Indian nationals who are travelling back to the US in the next 24 hours or so.

The government said on Saturday that the full implications of the US decision to impose a USD 100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications are being studied by all concerned, including the Indian industry, and that the measure is likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families.

In a statement regarding restrictions to the US H1B visa programme, the Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said the industry in both India and the US has a stake in innovation and creativity and can be expected to consult on the best path forward.

“The Government has seen reports related to the proposed restrictions on the US H1B visa program. The full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned, including by Indian industry, which has already put out an initial analysis clarifying some perceptions related to the H1B program,” the statement said. (ANI)

Actor and model Shehnaaz Gill treated her fans with the boss lady looks in her latest Instagram post. Dressed in a razor sharp fitting black corporate blazer and pants, the Punjabi actor slayed the internet with her power dressing.

“Elegance is the real attitude,” read the caption with the latest post.

The post was instantly liked by over three lakh followers who felt smitten with the “Queen of hearts Naazo”. It seems the dressing was part of her appearnce at the Global India Couture Week on Friday.

Gill was last seen in the music video Sajna Ve Sajna, sung by Sunidhi Chauhan and Divya Kumar. In the video, she presented her glamorous avatar with scintilating dance moves.

Shehnaaz Gill rose to fame with her stint on the reality series Bigg Boss 13. In the current season, which is 19 years into running, she also introduced her brother into the reality show, with blessings from Salman Khan.

Gill made her Bollywood debut in Salman Khan’s Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023).

Amul on Saturday announced a revised price list of over 700 products offering the full benefit of GST reduction to its customers, effective September 22, the date the revised GST rates come into effect.

This revision is across the range of product categories including butter, ghee, UHT milk, ice-cream, cheese, paneer, chocolates, bakery range, frozen dairy and potato snacks, condensed milk, peanut spread and malt-based drink.

After the revision, butter (100 gram) will cost Rs 58 instead of Rs 62. Maximum Retail Price (MRP) Amul Taaza Toned Milk 1L TP will be Rs 75, Rs 2 less. Amul Gold Standardised Milk 1L TP has been reduced to Rs 80.

In the ice cream segment, Tub Vanilla Magic 1L will be priced at Rs 180, less by Rs 15.

Amul processed cheese block 1 kg will be priced at Rs 545 which was previously priced Rs 575. The new price of Amul Peanut spread 900 gram will be Rs 300, instead of Rs 325.

“As a cooperative owned by 36 lakh farmers, Amul believes the reduction in prices will spur consumption of a wide range of dairy product,s particularly Ice cream, cheese and butter as the per capita consumption remains very low in India, creating a large growth opportunity,” Amul said in a statement.

The dairy co-operative further added that the reduction in GST will help to increase Amul’s share of the consumers’ revenue to the producer in a much larger way, so it benefits both producers and consumers.

“Through this initiative, Amul continues to strengthen its legacy of serving consumers while sustaining the growth and welfare of farmers, ensuring that quality, affordability, and trust remain at the forefront of its operations,” the statement added.

Amul has already taken the initiative to communicate the changes in prices to its trade partners including distributors, Amul Parlours and retailers across India, the statement added. (ANI)