Nitish Kumar still rules hearts in Nalanda

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Cricket's gen-next are now brand favourites

After sporting superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma exited T20 internationals and Tests, India's next generation of cricketers is stepping into the endorsement spotlight. Eager to plug the vacuum left by two of the country's biggest sporting icons, experts said advertisers are aligning with younger stars who appeal directly to Gen-Z consumers.The team's Asia Cup triumph is set to lift advertiser confidence in cricketers.Shubman Gill is expected to see a surge in his brand endorsement value. Industry executives peg his endorsement fee at nearly ₹5 crore for a single day of engagement annually, placing him in a rarefied league of commercial athletes. His social media following and clean, aspirational image have made him a go-to choice for top-tier brands.Suryakumar Yadav, India's T20 captain and one of the format's most destructive batters, remains hot property too, commanding about ₹1.5 crore for a day's association.Experts say these stars' proven match-winning ability keeps them relevant across categories ranging from beverages to tech-driven consumer products.Both Gill and Yadav endorse over a dozen brands each while Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma have featured in campaigns of brands like Realme, Birla Opus, John Jacob's, and Big Basket.Emerging faces are beginning to make their mark as well. Tilak, valued at around ₹1 crore for a two-day association, has built his reputation on reliability, while Abhishek, priced at ₹1.5 crore for a two-day association, has captured attention with his fearless batting and Gen-Z connect.Both are already drawing interest from fashion, fintech, and digital-first brands that see them as cultural connectors as much as athletes, say executives aware of discussions."The retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from multiple formats has created a vacuum in the endorsement ecosystem. Gen-Z cricketers such as Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, and Tilak Varma are stepping into that space, not merely as sporting icons but as cultural touchpoints. Their resonance with younger audiences positions them as multi-category assets, appealing equally to FMCG, fashion, fintech, and digital-first brands seeking to embed themselves in contemporary youth culture," said PMG Sports CEO Melroy Dsouza.The shift reflects a wider trend in sports marketing. Athlete endorsements in India jumped 32% in 2024 to ₹1,224 crore, according to GroupM, with cricket continuing to dominate.According to market estimates, top cricketers like Kohli and Sharma charge anywhere between ₹3.5 crore and ₹7 crore per endorsement deal."Rising talents such as Gill and Yadav are poised to draw a wider slate of endorsements, while emerging names like Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, who also carry a strong regional persona that endears them to local brands, are beginning to command growing interest," said Ajimon Francis, managing director, Brand Finance India."Unlike earlier generations, this crop of cricketers is approaching fame as a multi-channel business. Their focus, industry insiders say, is on leveraging popularity to build lasting value rather than chasing short-term visibility," he noted.The retirements of Kohli and Sharma have left an undeniable void, but advertisers see it as an opening. For brands seeking to embed themselves in contemporary youth culture, Gen-Z cricketers are not just athletes. They are lifestyle icons with pan-India reach and digital-first appeal.Some experts feel that consistency and not one-off performances build long-term value.

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9 Killed In Arch Collapse At Tamil Nadu Power Plant, PM Announces Compensation

Nine workers were killed after an arch collapsed at an under-construction thermal power plant at Tamil Nadu's Ennore.

The workers who died in the accident were from Assam. Dr J Radhakrishnan, Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO), told ANI that Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) officials were present at the site. A probe into the cause of the accident is being conducted.

The injured workers were rushed to Chennai's Stanley government hospital, situated around 15 kilometres from the accident site.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for each of the families of the dead. Further, Rs 50,000 compensation was announced for those who sustained injuries.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the workers who died and assured measures to get their bodies transported to their home state.

The accident came hours after a roof collapse at a private steel plant in Chhattisgarh's Raipur resulted in the deaths of six workers.

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BCCI Announces Massive Prize Money As India Beat Pak For Asia Cup Title

The BCCI has declared that the Asia Cup-winning Indian cricket team and its support staff will be presented a prize money of Rs 21 crore for its unbeaten run in the just-concluded tournament. The Board made the announcement after the team defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by five wickets in the final of the tournament in Dubai on Sunday. "It was (an) extraordinary victory and therefore as a part of celebrations, BCCI has announced a cash award of Rs 21 crore in favour of the players and the support staff who are part of the Indian team in the Asia Cup," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told PTI.

3 blows.
0 response.
Asia Cup Champions.
Message delivered.

21 crores prize money for the team and support staff. #AsiaCup2025 #INDvPAK #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/y4LzMv15ZC

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 28, 2025

However, the body did not give details of the exact break-up of the fund.

"That money will be distributed and this is a big reward for our team and the Indian cricket board as well as the people of India. We are extremely proud of our cricketers and the support staff for their superb performance in Dubai," Saikia added.

The BCCI also posted a jubilant message on its social media pages.

"Three blows. 0 response. Asia Cup Champions. Message delivered. (Rs) 21 crores prize money for the team and support staff," it stated referring to India's unbeaten streak against Pakistan.

The Indian team was, in fact, undefeated through the tournament, winning all its seven matches.

"The undefeated champions of ASIA. Congratulations Team India on a dominating win and 3-0 against Pak. Marvellous display by Tilak Verma and @imkuldeep18. A great show under pressure," posted Board vice president Rajeev Shukla.

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

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Charged Up Suryakumar Appeals For Field Obstruction, This Happens Next

The Asia Cup 2025 final match between India and Pakistan turnd out to be a tense and controversial affair. The two arch-rivals faced each other for the third time in the tournament on Sunday in Dubai. During Pakistan's innings, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav grabbed attention with an appeal for "obstructing the field" against Salman Ali Agha. The incident occurred on the first delivery of the 16th over. Salman played a shot towards extra cover, off Axar Patel's bowling and ran for two runs. 

Surya, who collected the ball, threw it towards the striker's end in an attempt to run Salman out. However, the throw struck Salman while he was completing the second run.

Suryakumar immediately ran towards the umpire and appealed for obstruction of the field. The on-field umpires referred the decision to the third umpire. Replays showed that Salman had not changed his running path deliberately, and he was rightfully declared not out.

Earlier in the day, Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and elected to bowl first against Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium.

In an interesting move, Ravi Shastri and Waqar Younis conducted the toss interviews with both captains separately. This was done after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) requested the Asian Cricket Council to appoint neutral presenters for the title clash.

After winning the toss, Suryakumar explained his decision to bowl first. He also confirmed that all-rounder Hardik Pandya would miss the final due to a niggle.

"We will bowl first. It looks like a good wicket, and it tends to get better under lights. We've been batting well first, but today we want to chase. The groundsmen have done a terrific job with the pitches here. The brand of cricket we've played over the last 5-6 games has been excellent. Unfortunately, Hardik misses out with a niggle. Bumrah, Dube, and Rinku come in," said Surya.

(With PTI inputs)

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US job growth forecast weak before Fed meet

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Weather Agency Predicts Rainfall During 5-Day Durga Puja Festival In Bengal

The Durga Puja festivities may get somewhat dampened as a new low pressure area likely to form over the Bay of Bengal on October 1 would bring rain in many areas during next seven days with downpour at isolated places in some districts of south Bengal, the IMD said on Saturday.

The five-day Durga Puja festival is going to commence from September 28 and conclude on October 2, the 'Vijaya Dashami' day. However, the idols are immersed in many places later.

The existing depression is very likely to continue to move across south Odisha and Chhattisgarh and weaken gradually into a well marked low pressure area by Sunday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that the new low pressure area is likely to bring light to moderate rainfall at most places in south Bengal and heavy downpour at one or two places in Purba and Paschim Medinipur districts.

The IMD said that Kolkata is likely to receive heavy rain on October 1, while several districts in the state's southern part will witness the same in the next two days.

Noting that sea conditions are likely to be rough, the IMD advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off the West Bengal-Odisha coast during that time.

 

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

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Video: Netanyahu Addresses Empty Chairs As UN Delegates Walk Out In Protest

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday faced a mass walkout during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. As he vowed to continue the devastating war on Gaza, he was met with a mix of jeers and applause. He said that Israel "must finish the job" against Hamas.

He explained that his speech was being broadcast through loudspeakers in Gaza so that Israeli hostages could hear it. He also claimed that in an 'unprecedented operation' the speech was being streamed through the cell phones of people in Gaza after the devices were taken over by Israel's intelligence services.

"We have not forgotten you, not even for a second. The people of Israel are with you," he spoke to the hostages. In a message to Hamas, he said, "Lay down your arms. Let my people go". Threatening them, he said, "If you do, you will live. If you don't, Israel will hunt you down."

❗Netanyahu visibly SHAKEN as majority of UN delegates STORM out of General Assembly hall — 'Please ORDER in the hall' https://t.co/JGrjGIN8bR pic.twitter.com/7c4IVf8Lnx

— RT (@RT_com) September 26, 2025

Netanyahu said that while "Western leaders may have buckled under the pressure," he guaranteed that "Israel won't."

He criticised countries that recognised Palestinian statehood and said that their decision was "disgraceful" and would "encourage terrorism against Jews and against innocent people everywhere."

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has set his foot down, saying, "I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. No, I will not allow it. It's not going to happen", adding, "There's been enough. It's time to stop now".

Netanyahu faces war crime charges from the International Criminal Court, along with Yoav Gallant, the former Defence Minister of Israel. Friday's speech was his chance to push back on the international community's biggest platform.

As he spoke, pro-Palestinian protesters gathered a few blocks from the heavily secured United Nations. 

"Israel has chosen a war against every conscientious human being in this world," said Nidaa Lafi, an organiser with Palestinian Youth Movement, prompting chants of "shame" from the growing crowd. "The masses have come to the irreversible realisation that this war was always about the complete ethnic cleansing of Palestine, about the exploitation and the stealing of Palestinian land", the Associated Press reported Lafi as saying.

Netanyahu also claimed that Israel is battling radical Islam on behalf of other countries. 

"You know deep down," he said, "that Israel is fighting your fight."

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HUL warns of near-flat Q2 as GST changes bite

Hindustan Unilever, India's largest consumer goods company, on Friday said it expects near-flat to low single-digit growth in the September quarter due to temporary disruptions across its distribution network caused by the goods and service tax (GST) rate cuts.The maker of Dove shampoo and Lux soap said the lowered taxes support long-term consumption though it has faced a transitory impact in the form of disruptions at distributors and retailers for clearing existing inventories with pre-GST prices."This has resulted in postponement of ordering in anticipation of receiving new stocks with updated prices and lower orders across the overall portfolio as consumers delayed their pantry buying. This has led to a short-term impact on sales for the company in September," HUL said in a stock exchange filing. "Given our existing pipeline inventory in the channels, we expect this impact to continue into October as well." The revamped GST regime rolled out from September 22 lowered taxes on daily essentials including soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, and food items from 12% or 18% to 5%. HUL said the revised rates covered about 40% of its portfolio, and it has passed on the price cuts to consumers through competitive pricing and enhanced value. While consumer companies expect retailers and distributors to replenish inventories, they do not anticipate an immediate spike in consumer demand as these price cuts are not time-bound and will not trigger any pantry loading.Notably, the trade pipeline for many companies had virtually dried up as trade partners did not want to block their working capital by ordering and getting credit for the price difference later."These reforms are expected to increase disposable income and drive long-term demand across key categories. This is a one-off, transitory impact, and we anticipate recovery starting November as prices stabilise, underpinned by rising disposable incomes and our ongoing portfolio transformation actions," HUL said.The company's performance is considered a proxy for broader consumer sentiment in India. Its value sales growth has been swinging between near-flat and 4% for nearly two years.HUL posted a 5% rise in sales during the June quarter but said while demand was recovering gradually, it did not expect the scenario to change overnight.

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Why Flipkart can't do a PhonePe

What if two companies born under the same roof, nurtured by the same parent and scaling in the same Indian market end up taking radically different IPO paths? That's the paradox of PhonePe and Flipkart.Both Flipkart and PhonePe are majority-owned by Walmart. From being a subsidiary of Flipkart - which acquired the digital payments company in 2016 - PhonePe was spun off as a separate company in December 2022. But PhonePe is sprinting toward a public listing, while Flipkart, once the poster kid of India's startup boom, is still figuring out its IPO playbook. This divergence isn't just about two separate companies, but it also reveals deeper lessons about India's capital markets, strategic positioning and the maturing tech ecosystem.India is at an inflection point. Its consumer internet giants - Paytm, Zomato, Nykaa, Policybazaar - have tested   public markets with mixed results. Now comes the second wave: fintechs, ecommerce platforms and SaaS companies that are better capitalised, more disciplined and operating in a post-correction environment.For founders and investors, the IPO question is no longer 'if', but 'how' and 'when'. The stakes are massive: public markets not only provide liquidity but also signal legitimacy, setting benchmarks for the entire ecosystem. PhonePe's IPO readiness rests on 3 pillars: Market leadership PhonePe dominates India's UPI payments with over 45% share. Unlike Paytm, which juggles multiple business lines, PhonePe has built a razor-sharp identity around payments and financial services. Simpler story for public investors PhonePe can tell a straightforward story: growing transaction volumes, financial inclusion, and monetisation through insurance, mutual funds and lending. Investors like clean narratives. Public markets reward clarity. Regulatory tailwinds GoI has blessed UPI as the backbone of digital payments. PhonePe is not fighting regulators but it's aligned with the system. That makes it a safer bet compared to fintechs perceived as too disruptive.In short: PhonePe looks like a utility with upside. Markets love that. Flipkart, in contrast, faces headwinds: Profitability puzzle eCommerce remains a capital-intensive business. Margins are thin, and competition with Amazon and Reliance JioMart is unrelenting. Investors know this is a long game. But public markets are impatient. Complex structure Flipkart's sprawl includes fashion (Myntra), logistics (Ekart) and now even healthcare. Great for private growth, messy for public narratives. Global parent dynamics Walmart's majority stake in Flipkart creates tension. Should Flipkart IPO in India, the US, or both? Walmart wants global visibility, while Flipkart wants local resonance. This alignment delay slows decision-making.Flipkart is still a juggernaut. But unlike PhonePe, its IPO case is harder to compress into a 3-min elevator pitch. This divergence offers a powerful framework for thinking about IPO readiness: IPOs are about narrative PhonePe's path shows that clarity of narrative - not just GMV or user counts - drives market confidence. Founders should ask: can I explain my business in one sentence to a retail investor? Spin-offs create sharper value PhonePe's separation from Flipkart unlocked its ability to chart an independent IPO. Conglomerates may create synergies privately, but in public markets, investors reward focus. Timing, a strategic weapon PhonePe is capitalising on momentum in digital payments before saturation sets in. Flipkart, by waiting, risks being overtaken by changing market moods or regulatory shifts. US-India corridor matters Flipkart's global entanglements highlight a bigger theme: Indian companies must decide whether their 'centre of gravity' lies in India's capital markets or on Wall Street. That decision shapes everything from valuation multiples to governance expectations.PhonePe and Flipkart's diverging IPO strategies mirror India's broader startup ecosystem. The first generation of unicorns is no longer just chasing growth at all costs. They're wrestling with profitability, governance and market positioning. This is a healthy sign of India moving from adolescence to adulthood in tech. The capital markets will demand discipline. But they'll also reward it.For founders, investors and policymakers, 3 lessons stand out: Simplify the story Public markets punish ambiguity. Be clear about your identity and path to profitability. Design for separation Build companies so business lines can stand independently if needed. It maximises optionality. Think global, act local The IPO venue debate (India vs US) will become a recurring theme. Founders must weigh valuation premiums against domestic relevance.PhonePe and Flipkart teach us that IPOs are not just financial events but are also narrative events. They crystallise a company's story in the minds of millions of investors. If India's tech ecosystem gets this right, we won't just create a few successful IPOs but also build the muscle memory for turning unicorns into enduring public institutions.

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Netanyahu's Plane Takes Unusual Route Over Airspaces To Avoid Arrest

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu avoided most of Europe's skies on his way to New York, seemingly steering clear of countries where he could face arrest over alleged war crimes.

The Israeli leader's official jet, the "Wings of Zion," charted a path that skipped over European airspace while heading to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday.

Flight tracking data showed the detour, which observers believe was aimed at avoiding any complications from the International Criminal Court's arrest warrants in November 2024 for both Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza - allegations Israel strongly denies.

Several ICC member states in Europe have publicly said they would detain him if he entered their territory, citing their obligations under the warrant.

The route appeared deliberately chosen to avoid overflying ICC signatories or governments that pledged to act on the court's orders - a scenario that could force the aircraft to land.

Instead, Netanyahu's jet traced a southern arc, passing only the fringes of Greece and Italy, crossing the Mediterranean, then heading out over the Atlantic through the Strait of Gibraltar, without passing through other European states.

Ordinarily, Israeli flights bound for the United States take a faster, more direct course across central Europe, including French airspace.

Aviation experts noted the deviation added about 373 miles (600 km) to the trip.

Ireland has said it would carry out an arrest if Netanyahu arrived on its soil, while Spain vowed to cooperate with the investigation. France, by contrast, said it would not detain him, and Italy questioned whether such a move was even feasible.

France took a far firmer line with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who also faces an ICC warrant. Like Israel and the United States, Russia is not an ICC member.

Although no official explanation was offered for the altered flight path, a French diplomatic source confirmed that Israel had asked for clearance to use French airspace, according to Times of Israel. Permission was granted, the official said, but the Israeli delegation chose not to use it.

"They decided to take another route, and we don't know the reason," the French official remarked.

Netanyahu is set to address the UN General Assembly on Friday before heading to Washington for a meeting with US President Donald Trump next week.

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Sunjay Kapur's Wife To Share Personal Assets Info, Seeks Confidentiality

Priya Sachdev Kapur, the third wife of industrialist Sunjay Kapur who died in June, has filed an application in the Delhi High Court seeking a non-disclosure agreement against revealing her late husband's personal assets.

In her application, Priya Kapur said Karisma Kapoor's children and mother-in-law Rani Kapur should sign a non-disclosure agreement in the interest of "cybersecurity" and other security issues. Karisma Kapoor was Sunjay Kapur's second wife.

In the last hearing, the court told Priya Kapur to give details of personal assets of her late husband.

In response, she said she would disclose the assets in a sealed cover, but would also need non-disclosure agreements signed by all the individuals who will have access to the information she gives.

The court will take up the matter again at 10 am tomorrow. Priya Kapur will also hand over the sealed cover tomorrow.

Priya Kapur recently attended the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) meet. She was inducted into the executive committee of the ACMA for the 2025-26. Her updated professional bio now reflects this position, effective from September 12.

Sunjay Kapur was the chairman of Sona Comstar and also served as chairperson of ACMA. He died in June while playing a polo game in the UK.

Priya Kapur's legal storm is over the Rs 30,000 crore estate of her late husband. The case, filed in the Delhi High Court, involves allegations from Sunjay Kapur's children from his first marriage, Samaira and Kiaan, as well as his mother and sister, who have raised concerns about the validity of Sunjay Kapur's will.

Sunjay Kapur's children, with mother Karisma Kapoor as legal guardian, have alleged that Priya Kapur forged the will, which reportedly bequeaths the entire estate to her, and that they were excluded from the inheritance.

Priya Kapur has countered these claims, saying that Samaira and Kiaan had already received assets worth Rs 1,900 crore from a family trust before the lawsuit was filed. She maintains that the will is valid and has asked the court to dismiss the allegations as baseless.

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Abhishek Sharma Scripts History, Achieves Never-Done-Before Feat In Asia Cup

Indian cricket team batter Abhishek Sharma scripted history as he achieved a unique feat during the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four encounter against Bangladesh on Wednesday. Abhishek looked in tremendous form once again as he slammed a 25-ball fifty. He looked all set for a big century but was dismissed run-out after scoring 75 off just 37 deliveries. During his knock, Abhishek slammed five sixes and in the process, the youngster became the first cricketer ever to slam 15-plus sixes in a single edition of Asia Cup. Abhishek, who has now slammed 16 sixes in Asia Cup 2025 till now, broke the record which belonged to Sri Lanka legend Sanath Jayasuriya who slammed 14 sixes back in 2008.

Abhishek Sharma blended power with copious amount of grace to smash a 37-ball-75 before indiscreet cricket from the other batters restricted India to a par 168 for six

. Abhishek, who is in the middle of a dream phase, hit six fours and five huge sixes in his sizzling effort. He looked good for a century but a fantastic one handed stop and quick action throw from Rishad Hossan stationed at short third-man sent him back to the dugout.

At the other end, Indian batters played some poor strokes-- whether it was Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma or skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who was caught brilliantly down the leg-side by stand-in captain and keeper Jaker Ali. Team management's inability to fit Sanju Samson was apparent as he couldn't be fitted into the top seven.

Having scored 96 in first 10, India managed only 72 in next 10 overs with Axar Patel (10 off 15 balls), promoted ahead of Samson, looking out of place.

For Bangladesh, pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib (1/29 in 4 overs) looked quicker than what the speedometer displayed and Mustafizur Rahaman (1/33 in 4 overs) as usual used his change of pace deliveries to good effect.

But leg-spinner Rishad Hossain (2/27 in 3 overs) should be given a lot of credit for giving the ball air and getting the prized scalps of Gill and Shivam Dube, usually a fine player of wrist spinners, bringing Bangladesh back in the game after a poor Powerplay.

When India started batting, the first three overs of the Powerplay was uneventful but in the fourth over, Gill and Abhishek took 21 runs off left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed with a six each in their kitty.

Bangladesh's most experienced T20 bowler Mustafizur was greeted by Abhishek with a six over long-on that landed near the Indian dugout and bounced into the middle tier.

The over ended with innings 50 completed and Abhishek's third six -- a slashed six over backward point.

India were cruising at 72 for no loss in the powerplay with last three overs costing 56 runs.

Once Gill (29 off 19 balls) was holed out off Rishad, Abhishek duly completed his second successive half-century in the tournament off 25 balls.

The ploy to send Dube (2) to attack their wrist spinner didn't work out as Rishad got his second wicket with a leg-break that the burly Mumbai hitter wanted to slog against the turn.

Once Abhishek was run-out, India completely lost the momentum.

Tanzim, coming for his second spell got Tilak caught at deep mid-wicket boundary before Hardik Pandya (38 off 29 balls) played his first significant knock of the tournament to take his team close to the 170-run mark.

(WIth PTI inputs)

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Pak vs SL Live Streaming, Asia Cup Super Four: When And Where To Watch

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Live Streaming, Asia Cup 2025: After facing a six-wicket defeat against India, Pakistan aim for redemption as they face Sri Lanka in their second Super Four match of Asia Cup 2025 on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi. On the other hand, defending champions Sri Lanka, who breezed through the group stage without losing any match, were jolted by a four-wicket loss to Bangladesh in their Super 4 opener. The defeat not only disrupted their rhythm but also snapped an impressive eight-match winning streak in the T20 Asia Cup.

Off-field issues have dominated headlines around the Pakistan team, overshadowing their middling performances on the field. They are in disarray after suffering yet another humbling defeat at the hands of arch-rivals India on Sunday, their second loss to the 'Men in Blue' in this tournament.

When will the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match be played?

The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match will be played on Tuesday, September 23.

Where will the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match be played?

The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

What time will the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match start?

The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match will start at 8:00 PM IST. The toss will take place at 7:30 PM.

Which TV channels will broadcast the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match?

The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match will be broadcast on the Sony Sports Network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match?

The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match will be streamed live on SonyLiv and FanCode.

(All the details are as per the information provided by the broadcaster)

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Anupam Kher Says He Was "Depressed" After Saiyaara Overshadowed His Film

Anupam Kher recently opened up about the heartbreak he experienced when his passion project, Tanvi the Great, failed at the box office after clashing with Saiyaara. Speaking at the latest edition of Expresso, the veteran actor candidly described how the simultaneous release of the two films led to his movie being overshadowed.

What's Happening

• During a conversation with the Indian Express, Anupam Kher opened up about the emotional toll the clash took on him. "I worked for four years on this film, one year of writing, one year of music. I wrote and directed the film. We released the film on the same day when Yash Raj Films' Saiyaara was releasing and it got completely wiped out. It depressed me. It made me feel very sad, not just for myself, but for the new actor, whom I took from my acting school, and almost 200 people worked on the film," he said.
• He further explained that Tanvi the Great faced financial difficulties just a month before release when the film's financier disappeared. "So I called my friends who are doctors, lawyers, etc. They gave me the money. We did the world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. We went to New York, where Robert De Niro saw a film till the interval, and he thought it was good. We also showed the film to the President of India," he added.
• Despite these milestones, the film's theatrical run suffered because audiences were more drawn to a youthful love story. "Everything was going fine, but the world wanted to see a love story, and rightfully so. Young, teenage love story had not come for a long time and the system here is that even if you're releasing the film in 400 theatres, if the other film is doing very well, they will remove your film. So it was a failure which was very heartbreaking for me," Anupam admitted.
• When asked which film's success surprised him the most, the actor did not hesitate. "Saiyaara. Even Aditya Chopra must have been surprised by it, everyone was surprised but theek hai... thank God Aditya Chopra and Yash Chopra are part of my family, I grew up in cinema with them. If it was somebody else it would have been very painful." 

Background

Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri and starring newcomers Aneet Padda and Ahaan Panday, reportedly earned a staggering Rs 569.75 crore worldwide.

On the other hand, Tanvi The Great reportedly tanked at the box office with a collection of nearly Rs 2.54 crore worldwide. The film features Shubhangi Dutt, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Jackie Shroff, and Karan Tacker in pivotal roles.

The movie is going to return to theaters on September 26. 

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Larger-Than-Life Personality Cult Around PM Modi? What Amit Shah Said

The idea of a "larger-than-life personality cult" built around Prime Minister Narendra Modi - which many feel is the secret of the BJP's success and cause enough to switch to a Presidential form of government -- was brushed off today by one of his closest aides and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. "Such a thing cannot be built," and it is the Prime Minister's personality, he told NDTV, that has grown over the years though many tasks and experiences.  

"From a child of a very poor family to working in an organization, to a person who fought the elections of the Sarpanch, to becoming a successful Chief Minister, then to becoming the Prime Minister, he has done a lot of impossible things.  The whole country and the world have been amazed by his achievements," Mr Shah said in an exclusive interview with NDTV CEO and Editor-In-Chief Rahul Kanwal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been the BJP's go-to face at many elections -- especially wherever the party was unable to find a suitable, acceptable face. In most cases, it had ended in a victory. His compelling speeches draws millions to his rallies and his popularity has rarely dipped since the BJP came to power at the Centre in 2014. 

Asked about the matter this evening, Mr Shah said personality cannot be created. "Hard work, sacrifice, patience, and constant hard work is what makes it possible," he added. 

Asked how PM Modi's personality changed over the years, Mr Shah, who had seen him since the pracharak days, Mr Shah said PM Modi had excelled at whatever role he had taken on. 

"Modi ji was given the role of an activist, organizer, Chief Minister, representative of the people, and Prime Minister. He has played all these roles very successfully," Mr Shah said. 

"From an ordinary activist to the Chief Minister of the state, from the organization to the leader who implements the policy, and in all the roles, he has successfully met his responsibilities," he said.

"With all this, while maintaining the communication of his core ideology, all the issues of the core ideology, all the problems of the country, and the solution of the problems of the country's poverty, I have seen him doing all this in about 40 years. I have seen this in very few people," he added. 

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Auto firms brace for festive season demand surge

After the lull of Shraadh-typically marked by muted footfalls and weak sales-auto retailers are pinning hopes on the festive season that begins Monday with Navratri. While such seasonal swings are familiar, this year is unusual. The government's sweeping tax cuts under GST 2.0, announced more than two weeks before its implementation on Monday, coincided with the Shraadh fortnight, bringing sales to a near standstill as potential buyers waited for the new tax rates to take effect and the inauspicious period to end.About 15% of annual auto industry sales are generated during the 42-day festive period, spanning Navratri to 15 days past Dhanteras (which includes Bhai Dooj). This makes the current weeks critical for dealers looking to recover lost momentum. Dealership checks in Mumbai's central-eastern suburbs just two days before GST 2.0 took effect, underscored the slowdown. At a Tata Motors showroom, three of five customer-engagement tables were occupied, and families walked in steadily, but few were ready to close deals."Enquiries are up 10-12% year-on-year as well as month-on-month, but no one is buying," said the general manager, who pegged losses on models such as the Safari and Harrier at ₹40-₹45 lakh in the past three weeks. He expects to recover the shortfall during the festive rush.A Hyundai dealership showed a nearby similar picture-brisk enquiries, token bookings, but no closures. The sales head said they were clearing existing stock of high-cess models like the Creta at revised prices ahead of GST 2.0, even if it meant a margin hit. Dealers said offers and freebies helped move the needle slightly, with several companies, especially those exposed to higher compensation cess, choosing to sell at post-GST prices before the official rollout while offering attractive benefits.Retailers now enter the crucial festive phase with elevated inventory levels: around 50-52 days at passenger vehicle outlets and 65-70 days at two-wheeler dealerships, where sales have been particularly sluggish. The slow movement of stock is compounded by the upcoming integration of the compensation cess into GST rates from September 22. Dealers fear that existing cess credits will become unusable, adding to working capital pressures just as festive demand ramps up.The FADA has flagged the potential loss at about ₹2,500 crore and urged the government to allow transfer of these unused credits to regular CGST/IGST ledgers to prevent significant financial strain.

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Renewables key to ending subsidy burden: Yadav

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Pak Star Makes Explosive 'Gun-Firing' Celebration After Smashing 50 vs India

• Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan slammed a superb half-century against India in their Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash, and celebrated with an explosive celebration. Farhan got to his fifty with a massive six off the bowling of Axar Patel, and did a 'gun-firing' celebration to mark the milestone. Farhan slammed five boundaries and three sixes, playing an attacking knock against India's high-quality spin attack. His half-century helped Pakistan pile up 91 runs in the first 10 overs of the high-octane clash.

The celebration of Sahibzada Farhan after scoring fifty against India pic.twitter.com/Sfn9dILVE0

— junaiz (@dhillow_) September 21, 2025

Farhan started off slowly, but upped the ante after the dismissal of opening partner Fakhar Zaman. He completed his half-century in 34 balls. He received two lifelines, being put down twice by Abhishek Sharma in the outfield.

Farhan's innings was a stark contrast to his performance from seven days earlier against India, when he scored 40 runs but took 44 balls to do so. 

This is the second match in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 between India and Pakistan. The two arch-rivals squared off in the group stage, where India clinched a dominant win.

However, led by Farhan's superb half-century, Pakistan made it clear that this match would not be as easy for the reigning T20 World Cup champions.

It must be remembered that severe political tension surrounds the two nations, particularly following the Pahalgam terror attack in India's Jammu and Kashmir - where 26 civilians lost their lives - in April 2025 and subsequent cross-border firing between the two nations.

The animosity between the two teams on the cricket pitch has also been evident. After their first match, Suryakumar Yadav-led India refused to shake hands or exchange post-match pleasantries with their Salman Ali Agha-led Pakistan.

India topped Group A, having gone unbeaten in the group stages. On the other hand, Pakistan overcame a scare to qualify for the Super Four with a win in their final group match over the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

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'Tilak', Raksha Sutra', 'Gau Mutra': VHP's Criteria For Garba Entry Spark Row

Seeking to ensure that only Hindus get entry to garba events, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has said people will have to apply a 'tilak' (a mark on the forehead), tie a sacred thread ('raksha sutra') and offer prayers to a Hindu god before being allowed in. 

'Gau mutra', or cow urine, will also be sprinkled on attendees, the organisation's Vidarbha general secretary Prashant Titre said in Nagpur on Saturday, adding that VHP and Bajrang Dal workers will monitor garba pandals to ensure the guidelines are followed during the Navratra celebrations, which begin on Sunday and end on October 1. 

All of this, the VHP said, is necessary to ensure only Hindus enter the events and there are no cases of "love jihad", which is a term used by some right-wing outfits to allege attempted conversion of Hindu girls and women by Muslim men. The issue, incidentally, gets brought up before the Navratra celebrations every year.

"Garba is not merely a dance but a form of worship to please the goddess. They (an apparent reference to Muslims) do not believe in idol worship. Only those having faith in the rituals must be allowed to participate," VHP national spokesperson Shriraj Nair told news agency PTI.

While the opposition has hit out at the VHP and the Sangh for trying to sow division in society by issuing such diktats, Maharashtra minister and senior BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule said organisers can decide who enters such events.

"Every organising committee sets certain rules, and they have a right to do so.  As long as they have police permission to organise the event, there is no problem," Mr Bawankule said. 

Maharashtra BJP media head Navnath Ban said garba is a Hindu event and those from other religions "should not interfere".

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut, however, said an attempt was being made to create a communal atmosphere in the country.

"Creating a communal atmosphere and this country is their livelihood. I am not talking about equal respect for all religions, but the way this poison is being spread does not behove Maharashtra or the country," he said.

Taking an even stronger stance, the Congress said organisations affiliated with the BJP will stoop to any level to gain or remain in power. 

"They want to divide us further and play politics over religion for their gains. This stance of VHP is not new. Their idea is to make the country unstable. They will go to any level by polluting the situation in the country to gain power. All the BJP organisations follow the same procedure... Unity in diversity has been Maharashtra's strength, it should not be hampered," he said.

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Gavaskar Blasts Pak For Cancelling PC Ahead Of India Game, Suggests Penalty

The Pakistan cricket team continues to remain in focus during the ongoing Asia Cup for the wrong reasons. The side came into the limelight after Indian players refused to shake hands with them at the end of their Group A match last Sunday. As India skipped the customary handshake, Pakistan complained to the International Cricket Council and demanded that match referee Andy Pycroft be removed. The ICC rejected the request not once but twice. As a result, the Pakistan cricket team first threatened to pull out and then came up with a false narrative that Pycroft apologised to the side for the handshake controversy. Pakistan's failed efforts also saw them delaying their match against the United Arab Emirates by one hour.

The Salman Agha-led team had already skipped its pre-match press conference for the UAE game and did so again ahead of the Super Four match against India, which is set to be played on Sunday, September 21.

"I don't know what the thinking behind that is, but as far as I know, press conferences are mandatory. If teams don't hold them, I'm not sure what the penalties are-if any-but in today's world, it's important for the media to be involved and kept informed. It's still essential to maintain open communication with the media. Instead of relying on 'sources' or speculation, it's always better for teams to convey their point of view directly. Perhaps Pakistan feel they have nothing to share, which, frankly, isn't surprising," Gavaskar told India Today.

"Yes, Mohsin Naqvi is the head of the ACC, but there is an organisation under him that includes India, Sri Lanka, and other participating and non-participating member nations - that collectively forms the Asian Cricket Council. As far as I know, there's a governing committee within the ACC for tournaments like this, and they'll likely want to understand what's going on," he added.

The India legend also suggested penalty for the Pakistan cricket team for its offence.

"If there is something in the rulebook stating that attending press conferences is mandatory, then perhaps going forward, if a team fails to comply, a point could be deducted from their table. That might be a viable way forward," said Gavaskar.

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Old Food, Death Threats: Truck Cleaner 'Kidnapped' By Puja Khedkar's Family

The truck cleaner, who was kidnapped by former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar's family after a road rage accident in Navi Mumbai last week, said he was kept locked in a room, fed stale food and given death threats.

The incident occurred on September 13 on the Mulund-Airoli Road in Navi Mumbai after a concrete mixer truck brushed against a Land Cruiser car, leading to an argument between the driver and helper of the vehicle and two occupants of the luxury car, who demanded money for damages.

The 22-year-old truck cleaner Pralhad Kumar Chauhan claimed that he was kidnapped by Puja Khedkar's father Dilip Khedkar and driver-cum-bodyguard Praful Salunkhe under the pretext of being taken to the police station. His mobile phone was snatched on the way and asked to remain silent. He was then taken to their Pune home and held captive in a room reserved for watchmen.

Mr Chauhan claimed that he was threatened with death if the truck owner did not pay compensation to the Khedkars, per police sources.

It was also found during investigation that Puja Khedkar's mother Manorama Khedkar gave away the room keys and removed the CCTV camera in the house in order to destroy evidence of the abduction.

After the truck owner filed a complaint with the Navi Mumbai Police, the truck cleaner was from Pune on Sunday.

While Salunkhe has been arrested and sent to police custody till September 23, the Khedkar couple and another person are yet to be found.

The police had registered a case under section 137(2) (kidnapping) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the accused, and have now added sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 127(7) (wrongful confinement for extortion) and 308(4) (extortion). The Pune police have also registered a case against Manorama Khedkar for allegedly obstructing the police and issued a notice.

Puja Khedkar is accused of misrepresenting facts in her application for the 2022 UPSC civil services examination to avail herself of reservation benefits. She has refuted all the allegations against her.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has initiated a series of actions against Puja Khedkar, including lodging a criminal case for attempting to take the civil services exam by faking her identity. Delhi Police had lodged an FIR against her for various offences.

After the controversy erupted over Puja Khedkar's appointment as a probationary IAS officer, a video surfaced last year in which her mother was seen threatening a farmer. Manorama Khedkar was subsequently arrested and later released on bail.

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Praveen Kumar appointed as ITBP chief

Senior IPS officers Praveer Ranjan and Praveen Kumar were on Friday appointed as the chiefs of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the lndo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), respectively, officials said.Ranjan, a 1993-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, and Union Territories) cadre, is currently serving as the Special Director General of CISF.The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved his appointment as Director General, CISF, for a period up to July 31, 2029, the date of his superannuation, an order issued by the Ministry of Personnel said.He will succeed incumbent chief Rajwinder Singh Bhatti, who is scheduled to superannuate at the end of this month.Praveen Kumar, Special Director, Intelligence Bureau, has been appointed as the Director General, ITBP, for a period up to September 30, 2030, the date of his superannuation.Kumar is a 1993-batch West Bengal cadre IPS officer. He will take over the charge of the border guarding force from incumbent Rahul Rasgotra, who is due to superannuate on September 30.While the CISF guards the country’s critical infrastructure, including airports, nuclear installations and space establishments, among others, ITBP is entrusted with guarding the Sino-India border.

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Trump Says TikTok Deal "Approved", Set To Visit China Next Year

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that the TikTok deal with China has been approved. Following a phone call with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, Trump also stated that he would visit China in the "early part of next year" and that he would meet him at a regional summit to take place at the end of October in South Korea.

In a Truth Social post, Trump also said that Xi would come to the United States "at an appropriate time".

"The call was a very good one, we will be speaking again by phone, appreciate the TikTok approval, and both look forward to meeting at APEC!," Trump wrote, referring to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, a grouping of 21 economies on the Pacific Rim.

The Chinese leader highlighted the importance of bilateral ties and urged the US to avoid putting unilateral trade restrictions, according to China's official news agency Xinhua.

The talks come in the aftermath of Trump's tariff war with China that strained ties between the two largest economies. However, the two leaders spoke on trade too, defusing tensions over China's restrictions on the export of rare earth elements, used in everything from smartphones to fighter jets.

Although Trump has pushed for European countries to slap higher tariffs on China in order to end the Russia-Ukraine war, he said that he has a "very good" relationship with the country.

Trump has credited TikTok for having "tremendous value" as it helped him win another term, and had extended the deadline many times for the app to be spun off from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. It is a requirement to allow TikTok to keep operating in the US under a law passed last year seeking to address data privacy and national security concerns.

On Monday, Chinese officials said the two sides have come to a consensus on authorisation of the "use of intellectual property rights," which includes the algorithm, and also agreed on entrusting a partner with handling US user data and content security.

Neither US nor China have released details of the TikTok agreement yet.
 

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Afridi Reignites 'Dog Meat' Controversy, Targets Pathan In Angry Rant

Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi called out ex-India all-rounder Irfan Pathan as tensions between the two cricketers continued. Pathan caused quite a stir when he revealed a war of words with Afridi during his playing days. Afridi, who is well known for making controversial comments, completely denied that Pathan made certain comments against him and challenged him to talk to him face to face. Afridi has been quite vocal about the ongoing 'handshake' controversy in the Asia Cup 2025 and his comments has caused massive harm to his credibility as an expert.

"Main usko mard manta hu jo samne khara hoke baat kare. Peeth peeche itni baat karni hain, lekin manu usko hi jo samne aake baat kare. Phir maja ayega na, jawab bhi de sake banda. (I believe them as competitors who can talk face to face. Anyone can talk behind the back, but I only like to face those who can talk in front of me. That would spice things up. I can also give the perfect reply)," Afridi said on Pakistani TV channel Samaa TV.

The controversy began when Pathan revealed a heated interaction between the two cricketers back in 2006. "During the 2006 tour, we were flying from Karachi to Lahore. Both teams were travelling together. Afridi came up and put his hand on my head and messed up my hair. He asked me how I am," Pathan told Lallantop.

"Abdul Razzaq was sitting with me then. I asked him what kind of meat is available here. He told me meat from different animals is available. After this, I asked whether dog meat was available. Razzaq was surprised to hear me and asked the reason behind my statement. I pointed at Afridi and said that he has eaten dog meat, that is why he is barking like one," Pathan further added.

Since then, Afridi has completely denied that Pathan made such a comment. Afridi even claimed that Razzaq has also made it clear that no such exchange took place between the two players.

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When Deepika Called Out A Foreign Magazine For Calling Kalki 'Prabhas 21'

Movie lovers were thrilled back in 2020 when the announcement was made that Prabhas and Deepika Padukone would be collaborating for Nag Ashwin's then-untitled film. However, when Variety referred to the film as "Prabhas21," Deepika Padukone was not pleased.

What's Happening

• Deepika Padukone shared a rather curt tweet shortly after Variety stated in their article that the tentative title for her film with Prabhas was Prabhas21.
• She wrote, "Thank you for reporting. However, a) The film is not titled #Prabhas21. It only happens to be Prabhas's 21st film. b) It is a trilingual film: Hindi, Tamil & Telugu. Kindly make note. Thank you..."

X/Deepika Padukone

Backlash To Her Tweet

Prabhas fans were not happy with Deepika Padukone's clarification.

Some fans argued that Prabhas is the main face and therefore the title.

One Internet user wrote, "Ma'am... I am a big fan... With all due respect... #Prabhas21 is a Telugu film first, then Tamil and Hindi... Prabhas sir belongs to our industry... Baahubali came from TFI and so does #Prabhas21... Please don't make it look like they are from Bollywood... #respecttelugufilmindustry."

Another said, "Telugu, Tamil, Hindi... It's the right order, and it's #Prabhas21 only, okay."

Yet another wrote, "Hey @deepikapadukone, kindly make a note... The original version comes from Telugu, and Prabhas is the prime face of the film. It's #Prabhas21 @nagashwin7."

Have a look here:

Oyyy @deepikapadukone , #Prabhas21 is the working title until the movie title is made to public.

Prabhas is the hero and main reason of crowd pulling and profits of the movie

Kindly make note of it.

— Vikramaditya (@ksadityakiran) July 20, 2020

Ma'am..am a big fan...with all due respect..#Prabhas21 is a telugu film first and then tamil and hindi... Prabhas sir belongs to our industry...baahubali came from tfi and so does #Prabhas21..please dont make it look like they are from bollywood...#respecttelugufilmindustry

— koustubh (@koustubhakella) July 20, 2020

When Makers Confirmed The Film's Title

Nag Ashwin's project, which was tentatively titled Project K, was changed to Kalki 2898 AD. The update on the title was shared by Vyjayanthi Movies.

Sharing a teaser, the makers had written, "Project K is now Kalki 2898 AD. Here's a small glimpse into our world." 

About Kalki 2898 AD

The film was directed by Nag Ashwin and released in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. It marked the first collaborative project between Deepika Padukone and Prabhas. It was Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone's second project together after the 2015 film Piku.

Deepika Padukone Dropped From Kalki 2898 AD Sequel

On Thursday, production house Vyjayanthi Movies confirmed what had been reported two months ago, though with little proof: Bollywood star Deepika Padukone is no longer part of the banner's highly anticipated Kalki 2898 AD sequel.

"This is to officially announce that @deepikapadukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel of #Kalki2898AD. After careful consideration, we have decided to part ways. Despite the long journey of making the first film, we were unable to find a partnership. And a film like @Kalki2898AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future projects," the post read.

x/Vyjayanthi Movies

Deepika Padukone previously walked out of Sandeep Reddy Vanga's much-anticipated film Spirit. She was labelled "unprofessional" for making demands, including working an 8-hour shift while having a newborn at home.

Now, with the Kalki 2898 AD sequel, a similar situation appears to have occurred, months after an unconfirmed report stated Deepika Padukone had exited the sequel of Nag Ashwin's directorial backed by C Aswini Dutt of Vyjayanthi Movies.

"Deepika Padukone wanted a 25 percent increase in her acting fee compared to what she earned for the first part of the film. Additionally, she insisted on limiting her daily shooting schedule to a 7-hour shift."

"The producers offered her the convenience of a luxury vanity for rest periods in exchange for longer working hours, but she declined. She wanted 5-star stays for her 25-person crew. There were just too many demands. This raised concerns among producers who questioned why they should bear additional costs beyond the actor's fees," a source told NDTV.

NDTV has reached out to Deepika Padukone's PR team for a comment.

In A Nutshell

Deepika Padukone is currently embroiled in a controversy  for being dropped from Kalki 2898 AD, as confirmed by the makers earlier today. This follows her exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit this year. In an earlier X post, Deepika Padukone had called out Variety for naming the then-untitled Nag Ashwin directorial with Prabhas as Prabhas21.

ALSO READ | Why Deepika Padukone Was Dropped From Kalki 2898 AD Sequel: "25% Fee Hike, 5-Star Stays For 25-Person Crew"

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Mohsin Naqvi Explains Why Pakistan Did Not Pull Out of Asia Cup 2025

Asia Cup 2025 was witness to huge drama on Wednesday, as at one point it looked like Pakistan might pull out of the continental event. This was because they did not leave their hotel at the scheduled time for the game against the UAE. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had been threatening a boycott after Indian players, led by Suryakumar Yadav, did not shake hands with the Pakistan side on September 14, leaving them in an embarrassing situation. The PCB was unhappy with the role of match referee Andy Pycroft, alleging him to be biased. The PCB even complained to the International Cricket Council (ICC), seeking the removal of Pycroft from the Asia Cup.

However, the ICC gave a six-point rebuttal to the PCB, maintaining that the Board's complaints were baseless. In fact, Pycroft was the match referee for the Pakistan vs. UAE Asia Cup 2025 match.

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Asian Cricket Council Chief, explained the decision behind the team not pulling out.

"As you all know, there has been a crisis going on since September 14. We had objections about the role of the match referee. Just a short while ago, the match referee had a conversation with the team coach, captain, and manager. He said that the incident (no handshakes) should not have happened. We had also requested the ICC earlier to set up an inquiry into the code violation during the match," Naqvi told reporters on Wednesday.

"We believe that politics and sports can't go together. This is sport, and let it remain a sport. Cricket should be separate from all this. I requested Sethi Saab and Rameez Raja Saab. If we had to go for a boycott, which was a very big decision, the prime minister, government officials, and many other people were also involved, and we got their full support. We were monitoring the issue."

Mohsin Naqvi's Press Conference along with Former PCB Chairmen Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi on Misconduct of ICC Match Referee Andy Pycroft and Indian Teampic.twitter.com/yeuukxx4My

— Pakistan Cricket Team USA FC (@DoctorofCricket) September 17, 2025

The ICC, in its letter to the PCB, said: "The ICC's investigation was conducted on the basis of the information provided in the report lodged by the PCB. We took the report at face value and note that no supporting documentation or evidence was provided with it.

"The PCB had every opportunity to submit statements from its team members alongside the initial report but chose not to do so." The world body said that there was "no case to answer" on the part of the match referee.

"The actions that the match referee took, following clear directions from the ACC (Asian Cricket Council) Venue Manager, were consistent with how a match referee would deal with such an issue, communicated as it was with no time for him to do anything else (minutes before the toss)."

The ICC was clear that Pycroft was committed to "preserving the sanctity of the toss and avoiding any potential embarrassment that might have arisen."

"The Match Referee was not at fault in any of this. It is not the role of the Match Referee to regulate team or tournament-specific protocols which have been agreed upon outside of the area of play; that is a matter for the tournament organizers and relevant team managers," the ICC added.

The conclusion was terse, with the ICC brass wondering if "...the PCB's real concern or complaint relates to the actual decision that handshakes didn't take place." "The PCB should therefore direct those complaints to the tournament organizers and those who took the actual decision (which was not the Match Referee). The ICC doesn't have a role in that."

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Trump okays first Ukraine arms aid funded by allies

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Pak Dealt Another Blow In 'Handshake' Row After Skipping Asia Cup Presser

Pakistan were dealt a major blow in the ongoing 'handshake' row as Andy Pycroft will remain the match referee for their Asia Cup 2025 clash against UAE on Wednesday. Pycroft found himself in the middle of the controversy when Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) accused him of playing a major part in the row. PCB were left fuming when India captain Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with his Pakistan counterpart Salman Ali Agha during their Group A match. The Pakistan cricket governing body went on to ask for Pycroft's removal from the panel of match referees for Asia Cup 2025 and even reportedly threatened to boycott the UAE game if their request was not granted. However, the ICC rejected their request and Pycroft is all set to remain as the match referee for the said game.

Earlier, Pakistan decided to skip the pre-match press conference on Tuesday. Sources have confirmed, the decision was taken because Pycroft was not removed by the ICC on their request.

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Lalu Yadav's Brainchild "Bhurabal" Back. How It Can Affect Bihar Polls

The old acronym "Bhurabal" - literally meaning "brown hair" - has once again surfaced in Bihar, taking centrestage in political discussions ahead of the state's assembly election. The acronym, allegedly coined by Lalu Yadav in the 1990s, combines the initial letters of the four higher caste groups in the state - bhumihar (land owners), Rajputs, Brahmins and Lala (Upper caste Kayasthas), the last group dominating the officialdom and professionals.

The total population of these castes in Bihar is around 15-16 per cent and till the 1990s, they played an important role in state politics. Even during the long reign of the Congress, this alliance ensured a share in power.

But in the 1990s, when Mandal politics and the agenda of social justice became dominant, the unity of the upper caste votes broke. 

When Lalu Yadav and then Nitish Kumar dominated state politics, the backward-Dalit-minority alliance took hold of the power equation. 

"Bhura bal saaf karo (Clean up Brown hair)" was the slogan attributed to the Yadav senior that acted as a clarion call to the suppressed castes of the state. Lalu Yadav and his party, though, have denied coining any such slogan.  

Recently, former MP Anand Mohan made the state's political leaders sit up, saying "Bhurabal will decide whose government will be formed".

From opposition parties to leaders of the ruling coalition, leaders criticized his comment, accusing him of being a casteist.

Anand Mohan's Timing

Anand Mohan, who has considered himself the face of upper caste politics, has been continuously active since coming out of jail. His statement, many say, is adding fuel to the inevitable caste mobilisation during the election season and an attempt to bring upper caste voters on one platform.

The term, though, was resurrected by the BJP's Sushil Modi, who  after Tejashwi Yadav referred to his father as "Babu Saheb", posted on X that RJD's politics has been about "eliminating Bhurabal". 

"The RJD has made an objectionable remark against forward castes in its rally at Rohtas. The RJD had also opposed the 10 per cent reservation for the upper caste poor... Their politics has been about eliminating Bhu-Ra-Ba-L... They again want to divide Bihar on the basis of caste," his post read.  

"Casteist" Jibes

Anand Mohan's statement has drawn barbs from both the opposition and ruling camps. The leaders of the Grand Alliance are calling it a statement promoting casteism that comes as the people have shifted from voting on caste lines to development and employment.

Many leaders within the NDA are also openly distancing themselves from the statement, since the alliance is based on a broad social equation, not just on the upper caste vote bank.

Leaders of smaller parties have called it an "attempt to bring back the politics of the '90s".

Possible Impact

Caste-based equations are still deeply rooted in rural Bihar. In such a situation, the discussion of Bhurabal can unite Bhumihar, Rajput, Brahmin and Kayastha voters to some extent.

But only upper caste votes are not enough for any alliance to win the election. Bhurabal has influence especially in North Bihar, Tirhut and some parts of Mithila, but backward-Dalit and minority votes are necessary to win the entire state.

It would also not sway the young, urban voters, who places on education, jobs, infrastructure and opportunities.

The Grand Alliance is likely to try and cash in on the statement. They will present it to the public by calling it "casteist politics of BJP and its allies".

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White goods PLI scheme reopened

New Delhi: The government has reopened the application window for the production linked incentive (PLI) scheme for white goods (air conditioners and LED lights) for 30 days, the commerce and industry ministry said on Sunday.The window will remain open from September 15 to October 14."The application window for the PLI scheme for white goods is being reopened based on the appetite of the industry to invest more under the scheme," the ministry said, adding that no application will be accepted after the closure of the application window. The Union cabinet had given approval for the ₹6,238 crore scheme on April 07, 2021, and it is to be implemented over a seven-year period till 2028-29.So far, 83 applicants with committed investment of ₹10,406 crore have been selected as beneficiaries under the PLI scheme.As per the statement, in order to avoid any discrimination, both new applicants and existing beneficiaries of the scheme who propose to invest more by way of switching over to a higher target segment or their group companies applying under a different target segment would be eligible to apply, subject to certain conditions.Applicants will be eligible for incentives only for the remainder of the scheme's tenure. The applicant approved in the proposed fourth round would be eligible for PLI for a maximum of two years only in the case of new applicants and beneficiaries opting for GP-2 (gestation period), seeking to move to a higher investment category.

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73-Year-Old, In US For Over 30 Years, Detained By Immigration Officials

A 73-year old Sikh woman has been detained by immigration authorities in California after she went for a routine check-in with the US agency, sparking protests and concerns among her family and members of the community.

Harjit Kaur, who has lived in the East Bay in Northern California for more than 30 years, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials during a routine check-in earlier this week, a report in Berkeleyside, a nonprofit news portal, said.

The report added that her family along with hundreds of members from the community organised a protest Friday, calling for the immediate release of Kaur, who was detained on Monday after ICE asked her to come to the San Francisco office to turn in additional paperwork.

"She was taken to a detention centre in Bakersfield," the report said.

Harjit Kaur was undocumented, according to a report in ABC7News. She came to the United States in 1992 from India as a single mother with two sons. Her asylum case was denied in 2012, but since then she has "faithfully reported" to ICE in San Francisco every six months for more than 13 years, her daughter-in-law Manji Kaur said.

The Berkeleyside report said that "ICE assured her she could remain in the United States under supervision with work permits until they could receive her travel documents." The protest on Friday was organised by Kaur's family, Indivisible West Contra Costa County and the Sikh Centre. Members of US Rep John Garamendi's staff, local elected officials and other political leaders also attended, the report said.

KTVU Fox 2 news portal quoted Congressman Garamendi as saying that his office has sent an inquiry to ICE requesting that Kaur be reunited with her family.

In a statement, Garamendi said: "President (Donald) Trump initially promised to go after the 'worst of the worst' in his immigration policy. Yet this administration's decision to detain a 73-year-old woman - a respected member of the community with no criminal record who has faithfully reported to ICE every six months for more than 13 years - is one more example of the misplaced priorities of Trump's immigration enforcement." "Our office will do everything possible to support her case and her family," he said. Local Council member Dilli Bhattarai said, according to The Berkeleyside report, that he is looking into how his city can put pressure on the federal government to release Kaur.

"She is not doing any harm to the community. She is an abiding [constituent] just like us," Bhattarai said. "She has all the rights to be here as a community member and we should all support her immediate release." Kaur, who has two grandsons and three granddaughters among other relatives, had worked for over two decades at a local Indian clothing store, the report said.

Her granddaughter Sukhdeep Kaur described Kaur as an "independent, selfless, hard-working" and termed her as a "mother figure" [to the community].

"We are all just in a state of shock," Sukhdeep Kaur said.

Her family voiced concern over her health, claiming that being detained at her age with serious health issues such as thyroid disease, migraine, knee pain, and anxiety, her life could be at risk, the report added.

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

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Nestle backers urge Paul Bulcke to resign

Nestle investors have called for Chairman Paul Bulcke to step down over the departure of a second chief executive in just over a year, the Financial Times reported on Saturday. Shareholders told FT the dismissal of former chief executive Laurent Freixe and the way investigations into his conduct were handled had exacerbated their concerns over governance at Nestle and led them to question Bulcke's decision-making. "I don't think Bulcke will move on before April but he should have left when Mark Schneider was forced out," Alexandre Stucki, founder of AS Investment Management, said.

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Team India Breaks Silence On 'Boycott Pakistan' Calls In Asia Cup 2025

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak on Friday said the team's focus has solely been on cricket since the BCCI "aligned itself" with the government's decision to play against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, brushing aside the noise around the politically charged contest. The traditional rivals will face off on Sunday in what will be the first match between the two sides since the escalation of the border conflict in May, when India launched strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan after 26 tourists were killed in a dastardly attack in Pahalgam.

"Once BCCI said they are aligned with the government's decision, our focus was always on the match. It's India versus Pakistan, and it will be an interesting game," Kotak told mediapersons on the sidelines of India's training session at the ICC Academy ground. "India versus Pakistan is always a competitive game," he added.

Asked whether the cricketers can truly remain unaffected by the geopolitical tensions that followed the terror attack in Kashmir, Kotak simply said, "Players are focused on the ground and nothing else is on their minds."

Calls for boycotting cricketing ties with Pakistan grew louder since the attack in Kashmir, after which India launched 'Operation Sindoor' on terrorist bases in the neighbouring country.

As per a new policy announced by the government recently, India will not engage in any bilateral sporting contests with Pakistan but will continue to face the neighbours in multilateral tournaments such as the ongoing Asia Cup cricket tournament or events organised by the ICC.

However, the spotlight has now shifted firmly to the marquee Asia Cup clash.

Both sides have had contrasting preparations, with India backing the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav in the shortest format, even as Pakistan entered the tournament under scrutiny for leaving out senior pros Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in a bid to rejig their T20 setup.

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Vaishno Devi Yatra to resume from Sept 14

Jammu: The pilgrimage to the cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir will resume from Sunday after remaining suspended for 19 days, officials said. The yatra was suspended following a landslide on August 26 that claimed 34 lives and left 20 others injured."Jai Mata Di! The Vaishno Devi Yatra will resume from September 14 (Sunday), subject to favourable weather conditions. For details and bookings, please visit www.maavaishnodevi.org," the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDB) announced on X.The Board further stated that the temporary suspension was necessitated due to inclement weather conditions and essential maintenance of the track leading to shrine. The Yatra will resume as scheduled, provided weather conditions remain favourable.Spokesperson of the SMVDB advised pilgrims to carry valid identification, follow designated pathways, and cooperate with on-ground staff. "RFID-based tracking will remain mandatory for transparency and traceability. For live updates, booking services, and helpline support, devotees are encouraged to visit the Shrine Board's official website: www.maavaishnodevi.org," it said. The Shrine Board expressed its gratitude to all devotees for their patience and understanding during the suspension period.

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Ex-India Star, Who Once Riled Up Miandad, Front-Runner To Be BCCI President

Former India wicket-keeper Kiran More has emerged as the most high-profile name in the race to become the next Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president, NDTV has learnt. Sources have confirmed that the BCCI top brass has reached out to a couple of high profile ex-cricketers from the West Zone. And while a former player from Saurashtra is also in the running, it is More who appears to be the unanimous choice of the state associations.

"It is going to be unanimous decision. Mostly all of the state associations are on the same page with the BCCI's eagerness to have Kiran More at the helm. We will get to know about the final decision shortly," sources told NDTV.

The development comes after Roger Binny stepped down on July 19, when he turned 70 - the age cap for office-bearers in the board. Since then, Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has been overseeing operations at the top.

IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal, in an exclusive interview to NDTV, revealed that the BCCI elections - originally scheduled for September 28 - are unlikely to be held this year. Instead, if consensus is reached, a candidate can be appointed unopposed without a formal election.

Kiran More: From Wicketkeeper to Administrator

Born in 1962, Kiran More represented India between 1984 and 1993, playing 49 Tests and 94 ODIs. Known for his agility behind the stumps and handy lower-order batting, he was part of India's Asia Cup-winning squads in 1988 and 1991. Kiran More was involved in one of the most defining images of India-Pakistan cricket rivalry. In an 1992 World Cup match in Sydney, More riled up Javed Miandad with his repeated appeals. Afer a point of time, Miandad mocked him by jumping up and down.

Miandad v More !#OnThisDay in 1992, Javed Miandad mimicked Kiran More's way of appealing by repeatedly jumping up & down. pic.twitter.com/wKCa2CzCAH

— (@Sachislife) March 4, 2023

After retirement, More made a seamless transition into cricket administration and coaching. He served as the Chairman of Selectors of the BCCI, where he played a pivotal role in grooming the next generation of cricketers. Later, he worked as a wicket-keeping consultant with Mumbai Indians in the IPL, and in 2019, was appointed Director of Cricket and interim coach of USA Cricket, helping restructure their pathways after the team earned ODI status.

Back home, More is currently the Chairman of the Cricket Advisory Committee of the Baroda Cricket Association.

A Crucial Juncture for Indian Cricket

If More takes over the presidency, it would mark a return of a former player to the top job, underscoring the BCCI's intent to bring more cricketing experience into its leadership. With India set to host several major global tournaments in the next few years, including the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, his appointment could come at a critical moment.

For now, all eyes are on the BCCI's internal consensus - and if the widespread support for More translates into a unanimous elevation to the presidency.

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Erika Kirk's "Love Story" Video For Husband Charlie Viral After His Death

Hours after far-right activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead at a public event in Utah, an old video of his wife, Erika Kirk, has surfaced on social media. Reports and videos of the 31-year-old's assassination triggered an outpouring of grief from his supporters.

Originally posted on Instagram in February 2025, Erika's video celebrated her relationship with her husband. She captioned it, "...thank you for being my love story." At the time, Mr Kirk replied simply but affectionately, writing, "My favourite," accompanied by a red heart emoji.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by E. (@mrserikakirk)

Now, after Kirk's death, the video was reshared by a user on X with the comment, "Sobbing watching this video from Charlie Kirk's wife. She captioned it 'thank you for being my love story'."

Sobbing watching this video from Charlie Kirk's wife. She captioned it “thank you for being my love story ❤️” pic.twitter.com/5GU3zh11I7

— Samantha Smith (@SamanthaTaghoy) September 10, 2025

Social media users expressed shock and sorrow over both Kirk's death and the grief his family is enduring.

One wrote, "A family man who while not all agreed with him, was always respectful and allowed others to speak. He did not deserve to die, nor did his family deserve this. Heartbreaking."

A family man who while not all agreed with him, was always respectful and allowed others to speak. He did not deserve to die, nor did his family deserve this. Heartbreaking

— Oppress The Oppressor (@OTOppressor) September 10, 2025

Another user, tagging Erika, offered words of comfort, saying, "Your loss is unfathomable. Please know this country loves you, is with you, and we will never forget the beautiful man Charlie was."

@MrsErikaKirk your loss is unfathomable. Please know this country loves you, is with you, and we will never forget the beautiful man Charlie was .

— TRUTH IS EVERYTHING (@WalkItOffMama) September 10, 2025

Many comments highlighted the personal pain and empathy people felt for Erika. One user said, "This is every woman's worst nightmare."

This is every woman's worst nightmare 💔😔

— Kaysha Richardson🎙️ (@Kaysharic) September 10, 2025

Another wrote, "I just can't stop crying. Still hoping it's just a bad dream."

I just can't stop crying. Still hoping it's just a bad dream.

— Jessica JT ????????❤️???????? (@Jessiepurplegrl) September 10, 2025

Mr Kirk, an ally of US President Donald Trump and the founder of the conservative youth group Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck while addressing a gathering at Utah Valley University in Orem. He was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent an emergency surgery, but didn't survive. Follow LIVE updates on Charlie Kirk shooting here

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