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<div><span>The Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed a writ petition filed by AISA leader Neha Bora challenging preventive proceedings against her, while directing the Special Executive Magistrate to provide her with all material relied upon in the case.</span></div><div><span>Justice Subramonium Prasad rejected Bora’s challenge to a notice asking her to execute a bond of ₹10,000 with one surety to maintain peace during the inquiry.</span></div><div><span>“The writ petition is rejected. However, there are certain directions. All the material is to be furnished to her,” the judge said.</span></div><div><span>Bora had challenged the proceedings initiated against her under Sections 126 and 130 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), questioning the legality of the notice and the procedure followed by the authorities.</span></div><h2><span>Bora’s challenge to preventive action</span></h2><div><span>Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, appearing for Bora, argued that the notice had been issued without proper application of mind and contained assertions disputed by his client.</span></div><div><span>He told the court that Bora, an AISA leader involved in public protests, had called for a gathering at Mandi House on October 16 after Jantar Mantar was denotified as a protest site.</span></div><div><span>Sankaranarayanan maintained that the proposed gathering was intended to be peaceful and did not amount to an exhortation to violence or the commission of an offence. He also disputed the suggestion that Bora had called for a gathering at Connaught Place, arguing that another group had organised the demonstration there.</span></div><div><span>The counsel questioned the factual basis of statements in the notice, including a reference to a proposed hoisting of the national flag without permission. He argued that the notice appeared to reproduce allegations without showing that the Special Executive Magistrate had independently assessed them.</span></div><div><span>He also contended that preventive action affecting an individual must strictly follow the procedure prescribed by law.</span></div><h2><span>Court raises concern over stigma</span></h2><div><span>During the hearing, the court examined whether the magistrate had independently assessed the information before him and considered the relevant material in accordance with the statutory framework.</span></div><div><span>The bench also discussed the stigma associated with preventive proceedings, including the possibility that a person could feel branded as someone likely to disturb the peace.</span></div><div><span>“The concern of the petitioner is that I am already branded as a bad boy and asked to say ‘you shall be a good boy’,” Justice Prasad observed, adding that the issue had a facet involving Article 21 of the Constitution.</span></div><div><span>The court also considered the scope of its jurisdiction under Article 226 and whether it should examine the challenge before the inquiry under Section 135 of the BNSS had concluded.</span></div><h2><span>Centre defends proceedings</span></h2><div><span>Opposing the petition, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, assisted by Central Government Standing Counsel Ashish Dixit, questioned whether the plea was maintainable and defended the initiation of preventive proceedings.</span></div><div><span>Sharma referred to six FIRs against Bora and alleged repeated violations, arguing that the authorities had material to assess the possibility of a breach of peace.</span></div><div><span>He also cited a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the BNSS which, according to the State, was in force in the relevant area at the time. Sharma submitted that the circumstances and information available to the police had to be considered when deciding whether preventive action was warranted.</span></div><div><span>During his submissions, Sharma referred to a gathering involving other individuals and statements concerning “regime change”. Bora’s counsel disputed the implications drawn from those circumstances, while the ASG argued that political change should take place through the electoral process.</span></div><h2><span>Police records cited in court</span></h2><div><span>Addressing the material placed before the Special Executive Magistrate, Sharma said the police kalandra was accompanied by relevant records, including general diary entries and FIRs. He also referred to the investigating officer being called to explain the circumstances.</span></div><div><span>Dixit confirmed that the kalandra was accompanied by FIRs and general diary entries.</span></div><div><span>The State argued that Sections 126 and 130 of the BNSS operated together in cases involving a likelihood of a breach of peace. Sharma maintained that the proceedings were preventive in nature and had not, at that stage, resulted in the imposition of a bond or any penal consequence.</span></div><div><span>The High Court ultimately dismissed Bora’s writ petition but directed the magistrate to furnish all material relied upon in the proceedings to her. The case concerned a notice requiring her to execute a bond of ₹10,000 with one surety to maintain peace during the inquiry.</span></div><div><span>(with ANI inputs)</span></div>

“The writ petition is rejected. However, there are certain directions. All the material is to be furnished to her,” the judge said.

Delhi High Court rejects AISA leader Neha Bora’s pea against preventive proceedings

<p>India delivered its best-ever performance at the Asian Para Games 2026, finishing fourth in the overall standings with a record 114 medals, including 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze, in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Indian contingent surpassed its previous best medal tally of 111, achieved at the Hangzhou edition in 2023, despite competing with a smaller contingent.</p><p>India’s campaign featured strong performances across para-athletics, para-badminton, para-archery, para-swimming and other disciplines. The 30 gold medals also took the country past its previous best of 29 golds at the continental event.</p><h2><strong>Para-Athletics leads India's medal charge</strong></h2><p>Para-athletics emerged as India's leading medal-winning discipline, contributing 65 medals, including 22 gold. The athletes also produced notable record-breaking performances during the competition.</p><p>Sandeep won gold in the men's 400m T64 final, clocking a world-record time of 52.28 seconds. Fellow Indian Ajay Kumar claimed bronze in 53.61 seconds.</p><p>Haney also delivered a record-breaking performance, winning gold in the men's javelin throw F37/38 final with a world-record effort of 60.49 metres and 1,116 Raza points. Iran's Hormoz Seidikazpounji took silver with 50.68 metres, while China's Yu Chengjie secured bronze with an Asian-record effort of 53.66 metres.</p><p>India added further medals through Nimisha Chakkungalparambil, who won silver in the women's long jump T47 with a best effort of 5.37 metres, and Parmod Bijarnia, who finished second in the men's 1,500m T46 in 4:09.65.</p><h2><strong>Para-Badminton adds gold medals</strong></h2><p>India also enjoyed success in para-badminton, with Nitesh Kumar winning the men's singles SL3 gold medal after defeating fellow Indian and Paralympic champion Pramod Bhagat 21-18, 21-16 in the final. Bhagat settled for silver in the all-Indian contest.</p><p>Naveen Sivakumar also clinched gold in the men's singles SL4 category, defeating Indonesia's Fredy Setiawan 21-9, 21-17 in 36 minutes.</p><p>Earlier, Thulasimathi Murugesan and Manasi Joshi won gold in the women's doubles SL3-SU5 event, defeating China's reigning world champions Qiuxia Yang and Zuxian Xiao 21-16, 21-13.</p><p>Para-badminton contributed 16 medals to India's overall tally, while para-swimming recorded a significant improvement, increasing its medal count from one at the previous edition to 11. Para-table tennis also contributed seven bronze medals.</p><h2><strong>Harvinder Singh and Vijay Sundi win archery gold</strong></h2><p>India added another gold medal in para-archery through Harvinder Singh and Vijay Sundi, who defeated China 5-1 in the men's recurve team event.</p><p>The Indian archers' victory added to the country's medal count and highlighted the contingent's success across multiple disciplines.</p><p>In another notable result, Bhawna Choudhary and Pooja Jatyan won silver in the women's recurve doubles event after losing to China.</p><h2><strong>India surpasses previous Asian Para Games record</strong></h2><p>India had finished fifth at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games in 2023 with 111 medals, comprising 29 gold, 31 silver and 51 bronze. The Nagoya campaign saw the country improve both its overall medal tally and its gold medal count, securing fourth place in the standings.</p><p>The record haul reflects India's strong performances across a range of para-sports. Sustaining this progress will depend on continued athlete development, training support and opportunities to compete at major international events.</p>

Asian Para Games 2026: India creates history with record 114 medals, finishes fourth in Nagoya

Asian Para Games 2026: India creates history with record 114 medals, finishes fourth

<div>I<span>ndia has emerged as the third-largest exporter of arms to Europe, driven by growing demand under the “Rearm Europe” initiative and an expanding domestic defence manufacturing base, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said on Friday.</span></div><div><span>India’s defence exports have reached a record Rs 38,424 crore, equivalent to around 3.6 billion euros, Singh told journalists, citing a Bloomberg report published a day earlier that highlighted the country’s rise in arms exports to Europe over the past year.</span></div><div><span>“Our exports have reached an all-time high of Rs 38,424 crore, which is about 3.6 billion euros, and I was reading a Bloomberg report yesterday, which said that suddenly, over the last year, India became the third-largest exporter of arms to Europe, mainly because of the Rearm Europe initiative,” he said.</span></div><div><span>He added that demand for standard ammunition, artillery shells and both large- and small-calibre ammunition had risen significantly in Europe.</span></div><h2><span>Defence manufacturing base expands</span></h2><div><span>Singh said India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem had grown substantially over the past decade. Alongside 16 large public sector companies, the sector now includes nearly 840 large and medium-sized private firms and around 17,000 small enterprises, including start-ups.</span></div><div><span>The expansion is also reflected in domestic sales, which have reached nearly 17 billion euros, he said.</span></div><div><span>India now exports defence equipment to more than 80 countries. The government also seeks to ensure that 75 per cent of its annual defence capital expenditure, estimated at $20 billion to $25 billion, is spent domestically.</span></div><div><span>Priority is given to IDDM products, those that are Indian-designed, developed and manufactured, as part of efforts to strengthen technological sovereignty.</span></div><div><span>India’s exports cover a broad range of equipment, from heavy artillery and ammunition to helmets, bulletproof jackets and small arms, Singh said.</span></div><h2><span>India seeks greater role in European procurement</span></h2><div><span>Singh said India was looking to expand its participation in European defence procurement, including through joint ventures established in Europe. European partners, in turn, could set up joint ventures in India to gain access to its defence market.</span></div><div><span>“India intends to increasingly take part in Europe’s arms procurement programme. Not directly, but by setting up joint ventures in Europe. And of course, European Partners to set up joint ventures in India to access our defence market, and for us to set up joint ventures in Europe to access the European government programmes,” he said.</span></div><div><span>European countries can also participate in India’s defence procurement programmes, but they must comply with the government’s “Make in India” conditions, he added.</span></div><div><span>Singh said the aim was to build closer links between the Indian and European defence industries, allowing manufacturers on both sides to integrate their supply chains.</span></div><div><span>“I hope that this partnership agreement can lay the base for a situation where the supply chains between European and Indian defence manufacturers become increasingly integrated, and that is what we sort of intend to work on,” he said.</span></div><h2><span>India diversifies its defence suppliers</span></h2><div><span>Singh said India had historically relied on Russia as its largest defence supplier, but that dependence had declined as the country diversified its sources of military equipment.</span></div><div><span>India still operates a significant amount of Russian-origin equipment, he said, while pointing to its strong bilateral defence ties with France and several other European countries.</span></div><div><span>France accounts for around 15 per cent of India’s defence imports, with Israel holding a similar share, Singh said.</span></div><div><span>He also highlighted India’s strategic alignment with Greece and Cyprus, which he described as recent partners and an important gateway for cooperation.</span></div><div><span>“I’ve just been on a visit to Greece and Cyprus, which are countries with whom we see a lot of strategic alignment. They are also recent partners; this is also our gateway,” he said.</span></div><div><span>Singh said buyers, particularly in South-east Asia, were involved in negotiations and contracts covering a wide range of defence products. These include different types of components, small arms and artillery gun systems.</span></div><div><span>He said India’s diversified industrial base would help the country scale up production to meet international procurement requirements as demand grows.</span></div><div><span>(with IANS inputs)</span></div>

India’s exports cover a broad range of equipment, from heavy artillery and ammunition to helmets, bulletproof jackets and small arms, Singh said.

India becomes Europe’s third-largest arms exporter amid ‘rearm Europe’ push: Defence secretary

India becomes Europe’s 3rd largest arms exporter amid ‘rearm Europe’ push: Def. Secy

<div><span>A small European country, Albania, is being tested as a rising European economy by a wave of protests fuelled by youth discontent, corruption allegations, and a controversial resort project linked to US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. As demonstrators take to the streets and questions mount over the government’s response, the unrest has exposed a deeper fault line between economic progress and public expectations.</span></div><div><span>But is Albania really on the brink, or is the turmoil a more complex story of a young democracy grappling with the demands of development, accountability and its ambition to join the European Union by 2030?</span></div><div><span>In an exclusive interview with Zee News, Dikshu Kukreja, Honorary Consul General for the Republic of Albania in India, defended the government’s handling of the demonstrations, describing them as a reflection of a vibrant democracy undergoing rapid transformation.</span></div><div><span>He argued that the involvement of anti-social elements had compounded legitimate student concerns over education costs and employment opportunities.</span></div><div><span>However, reports present a broader picture of the movement, which has expanded from opposition to a controversial coastal development to include demands for better education, action against alleged corruption and greater political accountability.</span></div><div><span>The question facing Albania is whether its institutions can address these grievances while sustaining economic growth and keeping the country on course for EU membership.</span></div><h2><span>Why are Albanians protesting?</span></h2><div><span>The recent unrest has brought together several strands of public discontent. Student-led demonstrations have raised concerns about education standards, costs and employment prospects, while opposition to the Kushner-linked resort has fuelled a wider debate over environmental protection, transparency and the use of public land.</span></div><div><span>Reuters reported in June that thousands of Albanians had taken to the streets of Tirana to oppose a proposed €1.4 billion luxury resort associated with Kushner’s investment firm, Affinity Partners.</span></div><div><span>The development involves Sazan Island and a stretch of coastline near the Vjosa-Narta protected landscape, an environmentally sensitive area that provides habitat for flamingos, seals and nesting sea turtles.</span></div><div><span>Environmentalists have warned that construction could damage coastal habitats, while the developer has defended the project, citing environmental stewardship, job creation and benefits for local communities.</span></div><div><span>The movement has since widened to encompass grievances over corruption, unemployment and education.</span></div><div><span>Reuters reported on October 18 that student-led demonstrations had spread beyond Tirana, with protesters also demanding Rama’s resignation.</span></div><div><span>Meanwhile, Kukreja acknowledged the economic concerns behind the demonstrations but argued that the unrest had escalated as other elements became involved.</span></div><div><span>“One sees that in a democracy, a protest is always welcome and is a very healthy sort of representation of people’s desires, needs and aspirations,” he said.</span></div><div><span>He added that anti-social elements sometimes took advantage of demonstrations, contributing to tensions witnessed in Albania over the preceding days.</span></div><div><span>His assessment reflects the Albanian government’s argument that genuine grievances should be distinguished from acts of violence.</span></div><h2><span>Economic growth meets rising expectations</span></h2><div><span>Albania’s transformation since the early 1990s provides important context for the unrest. Following the end of communist rule, the country embarked on a transition towards democracy and a market economy, with successive governments pursuing closer integration with Europe.</span></div><div><span>Kukreja described Albania as one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies, citing annual growth of around 4% and saying the country’s gross domestic product had tripled over the past decade.</span></div><div><span>International Monetary Fund figures provide a more specific measure of that growth. In its December 2025 assessment, the IMF projected real GDP growth of 3.5% in 2025 and 3.6% in 2026, following growth of 4% in 2024.</span></div><div><span>IMF also identified the need to improve education and skills, generate higher-quality jobs and strengthen governance.</span></div><div><span>The figures underline the distinction between economic expansion and the everyday experience of citizens. Growth can increase investment and employment, but it does not necessarily resolve concerns about affordability, job quality or access to opportunities.</span></div><div><span>Kukreja argued that Albania’s progress had raised expectations, particularly among young people seeking better prospects.</span></div><div><span>“These kinds of astonishing numbers obviously do two things. One, they set the aspirations of people or expectations of people even higher,” he said.</span></div><div><span>He also pointed to the wider European economic climate, including the consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war and conflict in the Middle East, as factors affecting opportunities and public sentiment.</span></div><div><span>The economic pressures are therefore part of the context, rather than a complete explanation for the protests. Allegations of corruption, concerns over public accountability and opposition to the resort project have also shaped the movement.</span></div><h2><span>Police response under scrutiny</span></h2><div><span>Kukreja defended the government’s handling of the demonstrations, describing its response as restrained and mature.</span></div><div><span>He argued that attacks on police officers and damage to public and private property were incompatible with peaceful democratic protest.</span></div><div><span>During the interview, he was also asked about people injured, including police officers.</span></div><div><span>“Protests in any democracy do not give a right for people to go about destroying or defacing public property or burning government institutions or even private properties,” Kukreja said.</span></div><div><span>He maintained that the government was taking steps to protect genuine protesters, including students and minors, and pointed to Rama’s calls for dialogue with students.</span></div><div><span>“The Prime Minister has repeatedly called for dialogue with the students to solve or to address, to understand and address their issues,” he said.</span></div><div><span>There has been scrutiny of the conduct of both demonstrators and security personnel. The European Union Delegation to Albania expressed concern on October 14 over escalating tensions and allegations of excessive police force against protesters and journalists. It called for proportionate policing, investigations into the allegations and de-escalation.</span></div><div><span>On October 18, the European Commission condemned violence, arson, attacks on state institutions and the destruction of public and private property.</span></div><div><span>It also stressed that the authorities’ response must remain within the law and be proportionate, while calling for peaceful assembly and constructive dialogue.</span></div><div><span>The EU’s position therefore combines condemnation of violence with demands for lawful policing and respect for fundamental rights. It does not amount to an unconditional endorsement of the government’s response.</span></div><h2><span>Kushner-linked resort: Development versus environmental concerns</span></h2><div><span>The proposed luxury resort has become one of the most contentious issues surrounding Albania’s recent protests.</span></div><div><span>Critics have questioned the transparency of the development process and raised concerns about the environmental consequences of building in an ecologically sensitive coastal area.</span></div><div><span>Kukreja rejected allegations of legal irregularities, saying the project was proceeding under Albanian law and that environmental concerns were being addressed.</span></div><div><span>“No law has been flouted on it,” he said.</span></div><div><span>He also said that the government had created a platform called Flamingo Mirror to allow people to raise concerns about the project and receive responses from the authorities.</span></div><div><span>On criticism from individual members of the European Parliament, Kukreja said, “An individual member of Parliament, every member of the European Parliament has their full right to express their views on anything else that’s happening anywhere in the world,” he said.</span></div><div><span>His distinction is relevant: statements by individual MEPs should not automatically be attributed to the EU as an institution. At the same time, criticism of a specific development can be reported on its merits without being treated as an official EU position.</span></div><h2><span>What does the unrest mean for Albania’s EU membership?</span></h2><div><span>Albania has set 2030 as its target for joining the European Union, making accession a central objective of its political and economic policy.</span></div><div><span>Kukreja expressed confidence that the country remained on course, arguing that the recent unrest would not define its long-term trajectory.</span></div><div><span>The IMF’s December 2025 assessment noted that Albania was advancing reforms aimed at securing EU membership by 2030. It also highlighted the need for stronger governance, improved education and skills, better-quality employment and continued efforts to uphold the rule of law.</span></div><div><span>The European Commission’s October 18 statement described Albania as a candidate country firmly committed to accession and making progress towards membership. It also urged the authorities to address grievances through constructive dialogue and peaceful means.</span></div><div><span>The 2030 date remains Albania’s target, rather than a guaranteed accession date. Progress will depend on meeting the EU’s requirements, including those relating to governance and the rule of law.</span></div><div><span>The protests do not automatically place accession out of reach. However, the way authorities respond to public dissent, investigate alleged misconduct and address concerns over transparency will remain relevant to the country’s reform process.</span></div><div><span>Kukreja also drew attention to Albania’s political history, describing its transformation from a highly restrictive communist state into a democracy over the past three and a half decades.</span></div><div><span>He argued that the current demonstrations should be understood against that background, as people express increasingly ambitious expectations of their government.</span></div><h2><span>Are wider European pressures fueling discontent?</span></h2><div><span>The unrest in Albania has unfolded against a backdrop of political and economic tensions elsewhere in Europe. Kukreja said the continent was facing a growing disconnect between government policies and public expectations, with the effects of war, energy disruption and rising costs adding to the pressure.</span></div><div><span>“I think in my personal capacity I would only say that yes, Europe is going through this major challenge of a clash between what the governments are driving and what are the people’s needs and expectations from the government,” he said.</span></div><div><span>He pointed to the Russia-Ukraine war and conflict in the Middle East as factors contributing to economic uncertainty.</span></div><div><span>However, wider European instability should be treated as context rather than a proven direct cause of the Albanian protests.</span></div><div><span>The country’s demonstrations have identifiable domestic triggers, including education concerns, allegations of corruption, demands for political accountability and opposition to the resort project.</span></div><div><span>Rama has referred to alleged “dark forces” in Europe and the United States, suggesting that radical elements had contributed to the unrest.</span></div><div><span>Kukreja interpreted those remarks as a reference to disruptive groups rather than foreign governments, stressing that Albania maintained close relations with the US and European countries.</span></div><div><span>That interpretation is Kukreja’s assessment. The remarks themselves do not establish who the alleged forces were or what role, if any, they played in the demonstrations.</span></div><div><span>Overall, Albania’s Flamingo protests have brought several unresolved tensions into focus: the relationship between economic growth and public expectations, environmental concerns surrounding major foreign-backed projects, and the demands of democratic accountability.</span></div><div><span>Kukreja maintains that the government is responding responsibly and that Albania’s economic progress and European ambitions remain intact.</span></div><div><span>Neither the consul’s defence nor the images of clashes alone provide a complete picture of the country.</span></div><div><span>The question is not simply whether Albania is going through unrest. It is whether the country can turn a period of unrest into an opportunity to strengthen public trust while maintaining its economic momentum and European ambitions.</span></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>

The question facing Albania is whether its institutions can address these grievances while sustaining economic growth and keeping the country on course for EU membership.

Is Albania really burning? Decoding the ‘Flamingo protests’ and economic realities | Exclusive

Is Albania really burning? Decoding the ‘Flamingo protests’ and economic realities

<p>Mumbai: Mumbai Police received information on Friday about a threatening email that allegedly named veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan’s residence and also mentioned singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh.</p><p>The police have launched an investigation into the matter, while further details are awaited. The message was reportedly sent to a school in the city’s Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) area, following which the police began an investigation.</p><p>The letter also mentioned Diljit Dosanjh, suggesting that he, too, had been threatened, although the threat was not directed at him explicitly.</p><p>The threatening letter reportedly mentioned Amitabh Bachchan and Diljit Dosanjh, making specific claims about alleged attacks on them. It referred to Bachchan’s Mumbai residence, Jalsa, and named October 31 and November 27 as dates for the alleged attacks. It also mentioned Dosanjh in connection with a purported bomb attack at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse on November 27.</p><p>The letter carried pro-Khalistan slogans and attributed the threats to a group calling itself the “Khalistan National Army”. The authenticity of the letter and the claims made in it have not been independently verified.</p><p>The threatening message reportedly named different locations and times, warning of a possible attack on the Mayor’s office at 3 p.m. and schools at 1 p.m.</p><p>A police officer also noted that Diljit Dosanjh was scheduled to perform at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse on November 27 as part of his India tour. The officer further said that Delhi Police had earlier withheld approval for Dosanjh’s Delhi concert over security concerns.</p><p>Meanwhile, recently, Delhi Police had temporarily withheld permission for Diljit Dosanjh’s October 30 concert in the national capital, citing security concerns.</p><p>Event organizer BookMyShow Live clarified that reports claiming the concert had been cancelled were incorrect. In a statement to IANS, the organizer said permission for the event had been temporarily withheld, but this did not mean the concert had been cancelled. It added that Delhi Police had sought additional safety, traffic, and crowd-management arrangements in view of the festive season and the need for heightened security.</p><p>BookMyShow Live said it subsequently held a cordial meeting with Delhi Police, presented a detailed plan and assured the authorities that all security and traffic guidelines would be followed. Following these discussions, the concert's permission was reconsidered and granted.</p>

Mumbai Police have launched an investigation after a city school received a bomb threat email naming Amitabh Bachchan’s residence, Jalsa, and singer-actor Diljit Dosanjhs upcoming concert, citing potential attacks in October and November.

Amitabh Bachchan’s bungalow, Diljit Dosanjh mentioned in bomb threat email

Amitabh Bachchan’s bungalow, Diljit Dosanjh mentioned in bomb threat email; Mumbai Police probe on

<p>India's Paralympic and World champion Sumit Antil added another feather to his cap as he defended his Asian Para Games gold medal by clinching the top prize in the Men’s Javelin Throw F42–F44/F61–F64 at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium here on Friday.</p><p>Antil won his second gold at the continental showpiece with a huge 72.46m throw in the final, while India swept the podium places. Mahendra Gurjar (F42) and Sandip Sargar (F44) brought the silver and bronze medals.</p><p>Mahendra hurled the spear to 59.03m and collected 1066 Raza points, while Sandip achieved a distance of 64.48m and accumulated 1006 Raza points. Both the athletes broke the Games record in their categories.</p><p>The Raza point system is a mathematical way to compare and rank athletes from different disabilities on a fair and level playing field.</p><p>Meanwhile, Pranav Soorma also secured a gold medal in the Men's Club Throw F51 event with a Games record throw of 32.87m. Dharambir also bagged a bronze in the same event with a throw of 27.71m. Another podium sweep for India was missed as veteran Amit Kumar Saroha finished fifth with a throw of 27.26m to miss out on a medal.</p><p>Moreover, the Indian contingent has now marked its best-ever performance at the Asian Para Games. They have bagged 114 medals till now, going past their previous best haul of 111, which they achieved during the Hangzhou Para Games.</p><p>At the Aichi-Nagoya Games, India have 30 gold medals, 35 silvers and 49 bronze medals till now, which also surpassed the gold medal haul of 29 in Hangzhou.</p><p>Track para-athlete Sandeep recently bagged a bronze medal in the 100m T64 event with a time of 11.67s. He had also won a gold in the 400m T64 event at the ongoing Games.</p><p>Earlier, India's Thulasimathi Murugesan and Manasi Joshi clinched the gold medal in the Women's Doubles SL3-SU5 category.</p><p>The Indian duo defeated reigning World Champions Qiuxia Yang and Zuxian Xiao of China in straight games, 21-16 and 21-13, to avenge their loss in the 2025 Asian Championships final and claim the coveted medal.</p><p>With this medal, Thulasimathi &amp;amp; Manasi upgrade their silver from the previous edition to gold.Earlier in the day, Thulasimathi teamed up with Nitesh Kumar to bag silver in the Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5.</p>

Sumit Antil defended his men’s javelin throw gold at the Asian Para Games 2026 as India swept the podium, with Mahendra Gurjar taking silver and Sandip Sargar claiming bronze. Pranav Soorma also won gold in the men’s club throw, as India surpassed its previous best-ever tally of 111 medals at the Asian Para Games.

Asian Para Games 2026: Sumit Antil defends javelin gold as India breaks medal record

<p><span>Srinagar's Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden, nestled at the foothills of the Zabarwan range near Dal Lake, has turned into a vibrant display of autumn colours with the blooming of thousands of chrysanthemums.</span></p><p><span>On Friday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah formally inaugurated Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood, Kashmir's Chrysanthemum Garden, for its second season. The initiative aims to establish a major autumn floral attraction in the Valley, complementing the popularity of its renowned spring tulip garden.</span></p><p><span>The garden has expanded significantly this year, with nearly 3.5 lakh chrysanthemum plants spread across around 120 kanals, equivalent to approximately five hectares. The plants have been propagated and multiplied locally by the Department of Floriculture, Gardens and Parks.</span></p><p><span>Officials expect the garden to produce more than 1.2 crore flowers in shades of yellow, crimson, pink, purple, white and other pastel colours. More than 70 varieties of chrysanthemums now adorn the expanded flower beds, nearly doubling last year's collection. The blooms stand out against the golden and russet foliage of the surrounding chinar, maple and ginkgo trees.</span></p><h3><span><strong>Kashmir Aims To Match Tulip Garden's Popularity</strong></span></h3><p><span>Director of Floriculture Mathoora Masoom has described the Chrysanthemum Garden as a dream project for the department, with the aim of making it as popular as Kashmir's famous Tulip Garden.</span></p><p><span>“We want the importance and popularity of our Chrysanthemum Garden to be exactly the same as our Tulip Garden,” she said. “We don't want any season of our Kashmir to be dull. Spring is with tulips; autumn will be with chrysanthemums.”</span></p><p><span>Unlike tulips, which require imported bulbs, the chrysanthemums are grown using locally propagated plant material, a feature highlighted by the Chief Minister.</span></p><p><span>The flowers are also more resilient and can withstand light snowfall. They are expected to remain in bloom for at least six weeks, potentially until December 5 or 6, giving visitors a longer period to enjoy the garden compared with the relatively short spring tulip season.</span></p><h3><span><strong>Upgraded Garden Offers More For Visitors</strong></span></h3><p><span>The garden has undergone several improvements to enhance the visitor experience. Larger flower beds lead into a decorative plaza, while water features and wooden pergolas provide places to relax. Designated selfie points allow visitors to capture photographs amid the colourful blooms.</span></p><p><span>Improved pathways and visitor amenities have also been added, making the garden more accessible and creating a setting for visitors to experience Kashmir's autumn landscape.</span></p><h3><span><strong>Omar Abdullah Invites Tourists To Visit</strong></span></h3><p><span>After inaugurating the garden, Omar Abdullah invited tourists from across the country, along with residents of Srinagar and neighbouring areas, to visit the attraction and enjoy its flowers.</span></p><p><span>“Today marks the second inauguration of Bagh-e-Gole Dawood (Chrysanthemum Garden), initially started last year, with the objective of having both the beginning and end of the tourism season in Srinagar feature a unique garden unlike any other found elsewhere,” Omar said.</span></p><p><span>He explained that the Department of Floriculture had developed the garden to boost tourism and offer visitors a distinctive attraction outside the tulip season, when options for floral tourism were more limited.</span></p><p><span>Highlighting the difference between the two gardens, he said Bagh-e-Gole Dawood uses plant material that is propagated and multiplied locally, unlike the Tulip Garden, which requires bulbs to be imported from abroad.</span></p><p><span>Expressing pride in the garden's progress since its launch last year, the Chief Minister encouraged tourists and local residents to visit, take photographs and enjoy the floral display.</span></p><p><span>With its colourful chrysanthemums and autumn foliage, Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood offers Kashmir a dedicated seasonal attraction beyond its celebrated spring tulips and the fiery hues of falling chinar leaves. The garden aims to fill the gap between the Valley's major tourist seasons and strengthen its appeal as a year-round destination.</span></p><p><span>Despite weather-related challenges during preparations, the efforts of the gardening teams have brought the expanded garden to life, with its golden and jewel-toned blooms ready to welcome visitors.</span></p>

On Friday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah formally inaugurated Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood, Kashmirs Chrysanthemum Garden, for its second season.

Golden autumn blooms: Kashmir's Chrysanthemum Garden opens for second season

<p><span>In a sustained effort to support local communities alongside its security responsibilities, the Indian Army has organised specialised community assistance initiatives in Kashmir, providing free artificial limb fitment and rehabilitation support to disabled civilians. These outreach programmes have brought prosthetic care to remote and underserved areas, helping amputees and people with limb disabilities regain mobility, independence and a renewed sense of purpose.</span></p><p><span>The Indian Army, a key counter-insurgency formation operating in parts of Kashmir, has long combined its operational duties with initiatives aimed at building trust and improving the quality of life of local residents. Among these efforts, artificial limb fitment camps have had a direct impact on beneficiaries by providing comprehensive services at no cost, in collaboration with specialised medical teams, prosthetists and supporting agencies.</span></p><p><span>During the camps, medical personnel screen beneficiaries and assess their residual limbs, overall health, and functional needs. Eligible individuals, including those who have lost limbs in accidents or due to medical conditions such as diabetes-related complications, undergo detailed measurements and casting.</span></p><p><span>Custom-fitted prosthetic limbs, including below-knee, above-knee and, in some cases, upper-limb devices, are then fabricated or adjusted on-site or through partner facilities. The limbs are fitted during the camp or in follow-up sessions.</span></p><p><span>Beyond the fitting process, the programmes provide training on the proper use and maintenance of prosthetic limbs, basic physiotherapy guidance to strengthen residual limbs and improve walking, and counselling to help beneficiaries adjust psychologically and socially.</span></p><p><span>Follow-up arrangements are also made to address the need for adjustments, repairs or replacements as residual limbs change over time or as children grow.</span></p><p><span>These free outreach initiatives have been particularly valuable in areas where access to specialised orthopaedic and prosthetic services is limited by geographical barriers, costs or inadequate infrastructure. By bringing these services closer to residents, the Army has helped families avoid long and expensive journeys to distant hospitals and private clinics.</span></p><p><span>Beneficiaries include farmers, labourers, students, homemakers and elderly residents who previously faced significant difficulties with mobility, employment, education and everyday activities.</span></p><p><span>Army personnel involved in the camps assist with logistics, crowd management, the transportation of equipment and beneficiaries, and post-camp follow-up. Specialised prosthetic technicians handle the clinical and technical aspects of the process.</span></p><p><span>Watching beneficiaries take their first unaided steps after years of relying on crutches, family support or remaining confined to their homes has highlighted the impact of these initiatives and the Army's role in community development.</span></p><p><span>The artificial limb fitment programmes are part of the Army's wider civic action efforts, which include medical camps, educational support, youth engagement and infrastructure assistance. Officials associated with the formation have emphasised that such initiatives help strengthen ties between security forces and local communities, contributing to a more stable and progressive environment.</span></p><p><span>Beneficiaries and their families have expressed gratitude for the assistance, describing the prosthetic limbs as more than medical devices. For many, they represent restored dignity, greater self-reliance and the opportunity to contribute more actively to household and community life.</span></p><p><span>Through these specialised community assistance initiatives, the Indian Army continues to demonstrate that its role in the region extends beyond operational duties to include support for the well-being and rehabilitation of local residents.</span></p>

The Indian Army, a key counter-insurgency formation operating in parts of Kashmir, has long combined its operational duties with initiatives aimed at building trust and improving the quality of life of local residents.

Indian Army leads free artificial limb fitment drives in North Kashmir

<p><span>India could have its own globally competitive smartphone brands by 2028, with mobile phones designed, manufactured and branded in the country, Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Friday.</span></p><p><span>Speaking at the NDTV World Summit in New Delhi, Vaishnaw expressed confidence that India was moving towards its own “Apple and Samsung moment”, marking a major step in the country's ambition to strengthen its electronics manufacturing and design capabilities.</span></p><p><span>“This is 23 October 2026. Please note it: 23 October 2028. You will have Indian-designed, Indian-manufactured, Indian-branded mobile phones,” the minister said, setting a two-year timeline for the emergence of homegrown smartphone brands.</span></p><p><span>Explaining the challenges involved in developing a smartphone, Vaishnaw said designing a modern handset requires several advanced technologies to work together within a compact device.</span></p><p><span>A smartphone must accommodate radio frequency communication systems, antennas, computing components, memory, passive components, camera modules, a display and power management systems, he said.</span></p><p><span>“In this small little real estate you have to have radio frequency communication. You have the antenna, compute, memory, all the passive components, a camera module, a display, and power management. Everything has to be built into this small little device. You have to manage the weight, the power management, and everything you have to do within this small little real estate, a small little form factor. That's why it's extremely complex to design a mobile phone,” Vaishnaw said.</span></p><p><span>He stressed that manufacturers must carefully balance weight, power efficiency and the integration of multiple components, making smartphone design a demanding engineering challenge.</span></p><h3><span><strong>Government Push For Indigenous Smartphone Design</strong></span></h3><p><span>Vaishnaw said efforts to develop India's domestic smartphone design capabilities began several years ago, when the government challenged Indian engineers and technology companies to design printed circuit boards (PCBs), which form the backbone of a mobile phone's electronic systems.</span></p><p><span>“Three years back we gave this challenge to Indian designers: why can't you design the PCB, which is the motherboard of a mobile phone?” he said.</span></p><p><span>The minister's remarks highlight the government's push to move beyond manufacturing smartphones in India towards developing products that are designed and branded domestically.</span></p><p><span>If achieved by the October 2028 deadline outlined by Vaishnaw, the initiative would mark a new phase in India's electronics industry, with homegrown companies aiming to compete in the global smartphone market.</span></p><p><span><strong>(With IANS inputs)</strong></span></p>

Explaining the challenges involved in developing a smartphone, Vaishnaw said designing a modern handset requires several advanced technologies to work together within a compact device.

'India's Apple and Samsung moment by 2028': Ashwini Vaishnaw on homegrown smartphone debut

'India's Apple and Samsung moment by 2028': Vaishnaw on homegrown smartphone debut

<p><span>Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Friday hit back at the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) allegation that the protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls were aimed at forcing a “regime change”, citing the Opposition's unity that led to the defeat of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's government after the Emergency.</span></p><p><span>Speaking at an interactive session at the NDTV World Summit, Tharoor recalled how political parties with different ideologies had come together to challenge the Congress government following the Emergency, which was imposed in 1975.</span></p><p><span>“(PM Narendra) Modi does keep talking about the Emergency and how the Emergency was overthrown. How was it overthrown? Through an Opposition, where the RSS and the BJP were merging with socialists and leftists. They all united in order to defeat the government that had declared the Emergency. That's recent Indian political history, just half a century ago,” he said.</span></p><p><span>Tharoor was referring to the defeat of Indira Gandhi's Congress government in the 1977 general election, when opposition parties came together under the Janata Party banner.</span></p><p><span>The Congress leader also rejected suggestions that protests in India could turn violent, drawing a distinction between democratic demonstrations and the unrest witnessed in France.</span></p><p><span>“I think the line is very clearly drawn by our Constitution, by our laws. It is that peaceful protest is the democratic right of every Indian citizen; violence is not,” he said.</span></p><p><span>“What we've seen happening in France is not something that anybody in India's political space would condone. I don't, and I don't think my party in any way would welcome (violence),” he added.</span></p><h3><span><strong>Tharoor Calls For Accountability Over SIR</strong></span></h3><p><span>Tharoor said the Congress supported peaceful and disciplined protests against alleged irregularities in the SIR process. He maintained that electoral reforms could be achieved if the government and the Election Commission were willing to answer questions about the process.</span></p><p><span>“We (the Congress) believe in peaceful, organised, and disciplined protest. At the same time, we expect that if we can actually find the government, and the Election Commission as well, willing to be accountable for the deep irregularities (in) the SIR process in the last couple of years, then we believe there will once again be a clean system,” he said.</span></p><p><span>He argued that the objective should be to restore electoral safeguards and ensure that every eligible Indian citizen could exercise their constitutional right to vote.</span></p><p><span>“The electoral rules will be restored, no Indian citizen will be deprived of their constitutional right to cast their vote and determine their own political choices, and in a free and fair election there will not be 'regime change'; there will be government change,” Tharoor said.</span></p><p><span>“The Indian public has seen the inadequacies of the present government, but we want to bring that (change) about through free and fair elections,” he added.</span></p><h3><span><strong>Tharoor Backs Opposition Unity, Praises Neha Bora</strong></span></h3><p><span>Tharoor's remarks came amid a debate over the nature and objectives of the protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision exercise.</span></p><p><span>Earlier, All India Students' Association (AISA) national president Neha Bora had praised Bangladesh's Gen-Z movement, describing it as an “inspiration” for young people in India. Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan had also said that the protests against Kumar had turned into a “fight for regime change”.</span></p><p><span>Asked how the Congress could work with Left parties, including AISA, while contesting against them in Kerala and other places, Tharoor pointed to Bora's role in the protests.</span></p><p><span>“These parties have their value, but Neha Bora wasn't campaigning against us. I like her; she's brought a lot of energy, colour, and life into the protest, the movement. It's about the Congress party being a moderate party and about acceptance. It's Opposition unity,” he said.</span></p><p><span>Tharoor's remarks underlined the Congress's position that opposition parties can set aside their political differences to raise concerns over electoral processes while seeking a change of government through peaceful protests and free and fair elections.</span></p><p><span><strong>(With IANS inputs)</strong></span></p>

Tharoor was referring to the defeat of Indira Gandhis Congress government in the 1977 general election, when opposition parties came together under the Janata Party banner.

'How was emergency overthrown': Shashi Tharoor hits back at BJP's regime change charge

'How was emergency overthrown': Tharoor hits back at BJP's regime change charge

<p>The qualifiers for the Los Angeles Olympic Games have been pushed back to January, February 2028 as teams will battle it out to participate in the cricket event at the Games.</p><p>The International Cricket Council (ICC) had earlier decided to conduct the men's and women's qualifiers in 2027 to decide the final berths across the two categories for the Los Angeles Games.</p><p>However, as per a report in Cricinfo, the qualifiers have now been shifted to early 2028, which will be less than six months before the Olympics are played in June.</p><p>With cricket returning to the Olympics for the first time since 1904, six teams each in men's and women's cricket will be vying for prestigious medals.</p><p>For women's Olympics, four teams - Australia, India, South Africa and Great Britain - have already confirmed their places in the LA2028 due to their performance at the T20 World Cup 2026.</p><p>For the men's competition, the highest-ranked eligible teams from Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania in the ICC T20I rankings as of 31 December 2026 will earn direct entries to the Olympics.</p><p>USA can secure the fifth automatic slot in men's and women's competitions if they are ranked in the top 15 during any time in the qualification period from June 30, 2026 to December 31, 2026. While the USA men's team is ranked 13th, giving them assurance of a qualification, the women's side is currently 19th.</p><p>The ICC had stated that if the USA women's team fail to be in the top 15, the fifth spot will be given to the highest-placed non-qualified nation in the ICC T20I rankings from any continent as of 1 March 2027.</p><p>As per Cricinfo, the ICC has updated that criteria as the fifth spot in the women's Olympics will now be given to the team based on standings in the Women's Champions Trophy next year if USA women's team fails to storm into the top 15 in the rankings.</p><p>The last berth in both men's and women's game will be given to the winner of the qualifiers. The men's and women's Olympic qualifiers will feature eight teams each, and the top team from the two competitions will be the sixth team to feature in the main Olympic event.</p><p>The venues for the men's and the women's events have not been confirmed. The eight teams that will play the qualifiers will include the seven highest-ranked teams (outside automatic qualifiers) and the Caribbean Regional Qualifier's winner.</p><p>Meanwhile, the men's and women's T20 World Cups will be held closely in 2028. The Women's T20 World Cup 2028 will be played in Pakistan from September 7 to October 1, while the men's event will take place in Australia and New Zealand from October 12 to November 12.</p><p>After 128 years, Cricket will make its long-awaited return to the Olympic stage, after its one and only Olympic performance at the Paris Games in 1900.</p>

The qualifiers for cricket at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics have been shifted to January-February 2028, less than six months before the Games begin. The ICC has also updated the qualification criteria for the women’s event, with the final berth potentially decided by the Women’s Champions Trophy if the USA fail to meet the ranking requirement.

LA 2028 olympics cricket qualifiers shifted to early 2028 as ICC updates qualification rules

LA 2028 olympics cricket qualifiers shifted to early 2028

<p>Abhinay Deo, the acclaimed filmmaker behind 'Delhi Belly', is back in the spotlight with his latest directorial release, 'Doosra'. Blending fictional storytelling with real archival cricket footage, the film tackles a deeply poignant and sensitive theme.</p><p>In an exclusive conversation with Zee News Digital, director Abhinay Deo alongside lead actor Plabita Borthakur opened up about the painstaking seven-year journey behind the film, working without cuts from the censor board, and whether Indian women truly enjoy the freedom of choice today.</p><h2><strong>'Acquiring high-res archival footage took two years'</strong></h2><p>For viewers following 'Doosra', one question stood out above all: <strong>why did a film whose trailer surfaced seven years ago take so long to reach the silver screen? </strong>Director Abhinay Deo shed light on the complex multi-year process required to bring his vision to life.</p><p>"A film like this, which is an amalgamation of fiction and archival footage, the footage part is the toughest," Deo revealed. "To acquire high-resolution footage from different sources across the world, England, Australia, and other parts, and do the paperwork almost took two years of our time."</p><p>He added that the unexpected onset of the COVID-19 pandemic further delayed plans by another two to three years. "It’s not a normal fiction film where you shoot everything and own the rights. Here, the footage doesn't belong to you. It takes time."</p><h2><strong>Uncut narrative over a 'UA' certificate</strong></h2><p>Addressing the film's adult ('A') rating from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Deo explained why he chose an uncensored release over a broader age classification.</p><p>"There are two parties involved: me and the CBFC," Deo stated. "The CBFC probably felt certain aspects were a little more sensitive in terms of the current atmosphere. They offered us a 'UA' certificate, but with cuts. What I personally preferred was releasing the film without a single cut. The film that we envisioned and delivered as a team is the film that we wanted to reach the audience."</p><p>Deo noted he remains unfazed by the 'A' certificate, comparing it to his past cult hit *Delhi Belly*. "This isn't my first adult film. Eventually, when it hits OTT platforms, the right audience—including adolescents alongside their parents—will watch it."</p><h2><strong>Sourav Ganguly yet to watch the film</strong></h2><p>Given that 'Doosra' draws heavy inspiration from India's iconic 2002 NatWest Series victory and former cricket captain Sourav Ganguly's historic jersey-waving moment at Lord's, curiosity remains high regarding the legend's reaction.</p><p>When asked if Dada had screened the movie, Deo shared, "No, he hasn't watched it as yet. We are hoping that he will at some point, and only after he watches can he give us a reaction."</p><h2><strong>Freedom of choice for Indian women: Plabita Borthakur speaks out</strong></h2><p>The core theme of *Doosra* delves into societal expectations and female autonomy. When asked whether women in India are truly free to make their own choices today, actor Plabita Borthakur offered a candid assessment.</p><p>"No, I don't think women in India are entirely free to make choices for themselves," Borthakur reflected. "A very small segment of women living in cosmopolitan societies—like myself—might feel liberated, but even then, there are constant societal expectations placed on us simply because we are women."</p><p>She added, "When you look at the country overall, there are still countless women whose decisions are entirely made by the men or other family members."</p><h2><strong>Seamless director-actor synergy on set</strong></h2><p>Despite the heavy subject matter, working on set was smooth for the lead actor. Borthakur shared that Deo’s structured approach gave her ample space to perform.</p><p>"I was surprised that he was actually not strict at all," Borthakur said. "Abhinay sir was very prepared and planned. He gave me complete freedom after explaining his vision clearly, so I knew exactly what he wanted."</p><p>On her acting process, Borthakur clarified that she stays clear of method acting: "I'm very instinctive. I start feeling the emotions when they say 'action,' and when it's a 'cut,' I'm completely out of it. I don't take the character home."</p><p>Deo echoed her sentiment, praising her innate talent: "To have such maturity in terms of performance at a young age is not easy. Plabita always surprised me with what she brought to the screen."</p><h2><strong>Doosra: Why watch it in theatres?</strong></h2><p>Concluding the conversation, Deo urged cinema enthusiasts to catch *Doosra* on the big screen for its scale and historic visual appeal.</p><p>"It's a unique experience and storytelling format," Deo urged. "To see matches on a 70-foot screen that you probably watched 20 or 25 years ago on a small TV is a larger-than-life experience. It's a very poignant film about an important subject matter."</p>

In an exclusive conversation with Zee News Digital, director Abhinay Deo and lead actor Plabita Borthakur opened up about their film Doosra, addressing its seven-year release delay, choosing an uncut adult rating over censor cuts, and the reality of women’s autonomy in India.

Exclusive | Abhinay Deo opens up on 'Doosra' 7-year release delay & CBFC rating

Exclusive | Abhinay Deo opens up on 'Doosra' 7-year release delay and working with Plabita Borthakur

<p>India’s Paralympic gold medallist Navdeep Singh won the bronze medal in the Men’s Javelin Throw F40/F41 event at the Asian Para Games with a best effort of 42.55 metres, while para-athlete Rakeshbhai Bhatt clinched bronze in the Men's 200m T37 on Friday.</p><p>Navdeep, who won gold at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, finished third in the final after recording his best throw on his second attempt. His remaining four attempts were fouls.</p><p>Iran’s Beit Sadegh clinched the gold medal with a throw of 45.78 metres, while Indonesia’s Ansyari took silver with a personal best of 43.55 metres.</p><p>The bronze adds to an impressive international career for Navdeep, who has established himself among India’s leading para-athletes through consistent performances at major competitions.</p><p>The athlete from Panipat, Haryana, rose to prominence with his gold medal-winning performance at the Paris Paralympics in 2024. He had finished fourth at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021 and also secured fourth place at the 2022 Asian Para Games, held in 2023.</p><p>Navdeep has also enjoyed success at the World Para Athletics Championships, winning silver in 2025 and bronze in 2024. He finished fourth at the 2023 edition of the championships and won gold at the U20 World Para Athletics Championships in 2019.</p><p>His other international achievements include gold medals at the Desert Challenge Cup in the United States in 2022 and the Fazza Grand Prix in Dubai in 2021. He also won gold at the Indian Open in 2023 and 2026.</p><p>Rakeshbhai, who was making his debut in the Para-Asian Games, started off the men's 200m T37 well but was pushed back by Saudi Arabia's Ali Alnakhli, who won gold in 23.32 seconds, setting an Asian Para Games record, and Indonesia's Saptoyogo Purnomo took silver in 23.45 seconds in the later stages. He finished the race in 23.64 seconds to bag a bronze medal.</p><p>Hailing from a village in Gujarat, Rakesh began his journey in para-sports with the ambition of developing his abilities as a competitive sprinter. His involvement in athletics has provided him with an opportunity to pursue his sporting aspirations and progress towards higher levels of competition.</p>

Navdeep Singh clinched bronze in the men’s javelin throw F40/F41 event with a best effort of 42.55m at the Asian Para Games 2026. Rakeshbhai Bhatt also secured bronze in the men’s 200m T37, finishing in 23.64 seconds.

Asian Para Games 2026: Navdeep Singh wins javelin bronze as Rakeshbhai Bhatt claims 200m T37 medal

Asian Para Games 2026 Navdeep wins javelin bronze, Rakeshbhai bags 200m medal

<p>Indian badminton star PV Sindhu continued her impressive run at the BWF French Open 2026, defeating Chinese Taipei’s Chiu Pin-Chian in straight games to book her place in the women’s singles semifinals in Paris on Friday.</p><p>The two-time Olympic medallist secured a comfortable 21-13, 21-14 victory, maintaining control for most of the contest. Sindhu started strongly in the opening game and carried that momentum into the second, where she established an 11-2 lead at the interval. Although Chiu attempted to fight back, the Indian shuttler held her nerve to seal the match.</p><p>Sindhu will next face either Indonesia's fifth seed Putri Wardani or Japan's Hina Akechi for a place in the final.</p><h2><strong>PV Sindhu continues strong run in Paris</strong></h2><p>Before her quarterfinal victory, Sindhu had defeated Japan’s Riko Gunji 21-12, 21-16 in 44 minutes to progress to the last eight. Gunji had earlier knocked out fellow Indian Unnati Hooda in the opening round.</p><p>Sindhu, who won silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics and bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, will now look to take another step towards the French Open title.</p><h2><strong>Ashmita Chaliha exits after memorable run</strong></h2><p>Meanwhile, Ashmita Chaliha’s impressive campaign ended in the quarterfinals after she lost 10-21, 21-17, 16-21 to Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara.</p><p>Chaliha had enjoyed a memorable tournament, registering the biggest win of her career by defeating world No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi 21-19, 21-18 on Thursday. The victory took her into her maiden Super 750 quarterfinal.</p><p>The Indian had also won her maiden BWF World Tour title at the Korea Masters Super 300 earlier in the year.</p><h2><strong>Ayush Shetty retires hurt</strong></h2><p>India’s Ayush Shetty also bowed out of the men’s singles competition after retiring hurt against Japan’s sixth seed Kodai Naraoka. Shetty lost the opening game 17-21 and was trailing 6-11 in the second when he retired.</p><p>Shetty had earlier defeated Kidambi Srikanth in the opening round of the tournament. Lakshya Sen, meanwhile, had withdrawn before his opening-round match.</p><p>India’s men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, along with the women’s doubles combination of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, had also suffered opening-round exits in Paris.</p>

PV Sindhu stormed into the BWF French Open 2026 semifinals after defeating Chinese Taipei’s Chiu Pin-Chian 21-13, 21-14 in straight games in Paris. Meanwhile, Ashmita Chaliha and Ayush Shetty bowed out of their respective events, while India’s doubles pairs had earlier suffered opening-round exits.

BWF French Open 2026 PV Sindhu storms into semifinals after straight-game win over Chiu Pin-Chian

BWF French Open 2026: PV Sindhu storms into semifinals after straight-game win

BWF French Open 2026: PV Sindhu storms into semifinals after straight-game win over Chiu Pin-Chian

<div><span>The Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with central security agencies, have launched a massive, multi-pronged crackdown across the Union Territory.</span></div><div><span>From the upper reaches of frontier forests to the commercial hubs of Srinagar and the hinterlands of all ten districts, security forces have intensified operations targeting active terrorists, their over-ground workers (OGWs), financial conduits and sympathisers.</span></div><div><span>The sweeping offensive follows a declaration by Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat during the observances of Police Martyrs’ Day. Prabhat asserted that the state would rest only when every element associated with extremism was brought to justice.</span></div><div><span>“Our goal is clear: to identify every element associated with terrorism and extremism in Jammu and Kashmir and root it out entirely,” Nalin Prabhat said.</span></div><div><span>“Today, we must resolve that we will only rest after freeing this land from separatist and terrorist elements. I also want to warn those elements within Jammu and Kashmir who support terrorism that your days are now numbered, and even if you try to hide in the netherworld, we will hunt you down and ensure you are punished under the law,” the DGP declared.</span></div><h3><span>Security intensified across the valley</span></h3><div><span>In line with the DGP’s directives, security agencies have intensified operations across the Kashmir Valley and sensitive border districts.</span></div><div><span>Dozens of mobile checkpoints have been activated across Srinagar and the other nine districts of the Valley. Vehicles, commercial carriers and suspicious pedestrians are being subjected to identification checks and digital frisking. Movement along inter-district roads and vulnerable two-wheeler traffic is being monitored around the clock using high-definition optical and thermal surveillance.</span></div><div><span>Access roads leading towards critical forest tracks and mountain ranges have been locked down. Thorough combing and Search and Destroy Operations (CASOs) are underway to deny safe havens to infiltrating groups and remaining terrorists attempting to blend in with civilians.</span></div><h3><span>Recent counter-terror operations</span></h3><div><span>The Valley-wide sweep builds on a series of recent counter-terrorism operations by security forces along the Line of Control (LoC) and in rugged upper terrain. Security forces have intercepted multiple infiltration attempts launched from Pakistan-based launchpads across the Pir Panjal and northern sectors.</span></div><div><span>Coordinated intelligence operations by the Special Operations Group (SOG) and the Army have also neutralised active terror cells during forest cordons. Security forces have recovered substantial caches of arms, ammunition and explosive devices allegedly intended to target infrastructure and public harmony.</span></div><h3><span>Action against terror financing</span></h3><div><span>Beyond operations against armed terrorists, the police have accelerated the attachment of properties, vehicles and commercial establishments linked to terror financing and narcotics trafficking under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).</span></div><div><span>The action aims to dismantle the financial backbone supporting anti-national elements.</span></div><div><span>With elite tactical units deployed, intelligence networks operating in real time and a zero-tolerance policy enforced by the top command, the security establishment has sent a clear message across the Valley: “The net is closing, and there is nowhere left to hide, so you can run but you can’t hide.”</span></div><div> </div>

In line with the DGP’s directives, security agencies have intensified operations across the Kashmir Valley and sensitive border districts.

J&K police, security agencies launch massive anti-terror operations across valley

<p><span>Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leader Ashutosh Ranka on Friday said the outfit would “evolve in necessary ways” as it continued its protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.</span></p><p><span>Ranka, CJP co-convenor Saurav Das and national organisation in-charge Ajinkya Shinde visited Mandir Marg Police Station on Friday, a day after seeking more time to appear before the Delhi Police Crime Branch for questioning. They were accompanied by the party's legal affairs head, Ratna Singh.</span></p><p><span>The three leaders had been asked to appear at the Crime Branch office in Rajouri Garden at noon on Thursday. However, they requested additional time from the police.</span></p><p><span>Speaking to reporters after leaving the police station, Ranka said they were waiting for the Crime Branch to confirm the next date for questioning.</span></p><p><span>“We haven't received the next date yet. On the first date given to us, we could not go, so we informed them. They said they will confirm the timings, so we are waiting for the Crime Branch to get back to us,” he said.</span></p><p><span>Ranka also said the verification of their sureties, following their release from judicial custody, had been completed without any issues. He added that they had been given another date in the third week of November.</span></p><p><span>Reiterating the outfit's commitment to the protest against the SIR, Ranka said the movement would continue regardless of whether its members were in or out of jail.</span></p><p><span>“We are not leaders; we are custodians of this platform, which has been given to us by the people of this country. We are just trying to do our best. The movement continues even when we are in jail or outside jail,” he said.</span></p><p><span>Ranka added that the experience had prompted the outfit to reflect on its approach and the way the government operates.</span></p><p><span>“Obviously, there are a lot of things that we have learned about ourselves and the way the regime is working, and we will, of course, change and evolve in necessary ways,” he said.</span></p><h3><span><strong>CJP Leaders Released From Tihar Jail</strong></span></h3><p><span>Das and Ranka were released from Tihar Jail on Wednesday after spending a week in judicial custody. Earlier this week, Delhi Police transferred the protest-related cases against the CJP leaders to the Crime Branch.</span></p><p><span>The cases stem from an incident on October 13, when Das, Ranka and Shinde, along with 11 others, allegedly trespassed into Jantar Mantar, which has been de-notified as a designated protest site.</span></p><p><span>Delhi Police detained all those involved. While Shinde was released on a bail bond, Das and Ranka remained in judicial custody for a week before their release.</span></p><p><span><strong>(With IANS inputs)</strong></span></p>

Ranka, CJP co-convenor Saurav Das and national organisation in-charge Ajinkya Shinde visited Mandir Marg Police Station on Friday, a day after seeking more time to appear before the Delhi Police Crime Branch for questioning.

CJP's Ashutosh Ranka vows to continue anti-CEC protest, says 'outfit will evolve in necessary ways'

CJP leader Ashutosh Ranka vows to continue anti-CEC protest

<p>Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's potential return has grabbed the headlines again as India gear up to face New Zealand in the second T20I of the five-match series at Hagley Oval here on Saturday.</p><p>India, the reigning two-time T20 World Champions, will be stepping onto the field for their 300th T20I match and will be looking to double up their 1-0 lead in the series after they won a run-scoring feast at the same venue on Thursday.</p><p>That was also India's highest T20I chase as the likes of Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Shreyas Iyer and Naman Dhir starred in the 226-run chase. Now they are likely to get the addition of Sooryavanshi as Ishan Kishan is out of the second match due to a low-grade right adductor strain.</p><p>Sooryavanshi, if he gets the nod, would be licking his lips as the second match will also be played at the same venue and on the same pitch which hosted the 455-run feast across the two innings. That might also mean that the used surface can have something in it for the bowlers, with likely wear and tear expected too.</p><p>With Sooryavanshi likely to return, India are likely to open with two left-handers in Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma and shift Samson to No.3. This might also open the window for the Kiwis to bring an off spinner up front, at which India struggled during the T20 World Cup 2026.</p><p>New Zealand would be happy to take the game to the last over despite the start India had and dew being there in Christchurch in the opener. But they would want to make a comeback sooner rather than later, as another defeat would make a comeback way too far in the five-match series.</p><p>This would not be ideal for the Kiwis as West Indies recently pushed India to the limits and tied the five-match series 2-2 with the last game getting washed out.</p><p>India's 300th T20I match will see them become just the second team to complete a triple century of matches in the format, after Pakistan, who have played 304 games. The Men in Blue have 199 outright wins, but their six super over and bowl-out wins have already put them past the 200-mark, and they have 205 wins in the format.</p><p><strong>When:</strong> October 24, 2026, 12:30 PM</p><p><strong>Where: </strong>Hagley Oval, Christchurch</p><p><strong>Where to watch: </strong>The match will be shown live on the Sony Sports Network channels on TV, and live streaming is available on the Sony LIV app and website.</p><h2><strong>Squads:</strong></h2><p><strong>India: </strong>Shreyas Iyer (captain), Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Prince Yadav, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.</p><p><strong>New Zealand: </strong>Mitchell Santner (captain), Devon Conway (wk), Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Bevon Jacobs, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson, and Blair Tickner.</p>

India will look to extend their 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand in the second match at Hagley Oval, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in contention to replace the injured Ishan Kishan. The match will also mark Indias 300th T20I, as the Men in Blue aim to build on their record-breaking chase in the series opener.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi eyes return as India look to extend series lead to 2-0

IND vs NZ 2nd T20I (Preview): Vaibhav Sooryavanshi eyes return as India look to extend series lead to 2-0

<div><span>Remarks by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujeet Kapur about the situation along the China border relate to routine operational preparedness and troop deployment, sources said, amid a commotion over his comments. They stressed that the remarks were not linked to any specific incident.</span></div><div><span>The ITBP, which guards India’s border with China, operates in accordance with government policies, instructions issued under different circumstances and established standard operating procedures, the sources said.</span></div><div><span>The paramilitary force may issue an official statement on the matter soon.</span></div><h3><span>ITBP chief reports face-offs in Arunachal Pradesh</span></h3><div><span>Kapur said on Thursday that face-offs with Chinese troops had occurred at several locations along the border in Arunachal Pradesh in recent days and that the situation was continuing.</span></div><div> </div><div><span>“In the past few days, a situation arose where face-offs happened at several locations in Arunachal Pradesh, and it still continues,” Kapur told ITBP personnel at a force base in Alwar, Rajasthan.</span></div><div><span>The ITBP chief, who is due to retire at the end of this month, also highlighted the formation of a new combat unit, the Shaurya Commandos. He said the personnel had demonstrated their capabilities during the ongoing face-offs with Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops at multiple locations in Arunachal Pradesh.</span></div><div> </div><div><span>Kapur said the commandos would be deployed in every border battalion, strengthening the force’s operational capabilities and giving it a distinct identity.</span></div><h3><span>ITBP guards 3,488-km India-China border</span></h3><div><span>Established in 1962, the ITBP is responsible for guarding the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China. The force plays a key role in securing the Himalayan frontier, where difficult terrain and extreme weather conditions pose significant operational challenges.</span></div><div> </div><div><span>Kapur’s remarks come as India and China continue efforts to stabilise bilateral relations following years of military tensions along the LAC.</span></div><div> </div><div><span>Last month, Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani said at the NDTV Defence Summit that the situation along the border was stable and there was no cause for concern.</span></div><div> </div><div><span>External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also stressed last week that maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas was essential to normalising relations between the two countries. He cautioned that any disruption along the frontier would have consequences for bilateral ties.</span></div><h3><span>India-China relations after Ladakh standoff</span></h3><div><span>India and China have been working to rebuild relations since reaching an understanding in October 2024 to resolve the military standoff in eastern Ladakh. The confrontation had continued for more than four years and severely strained ties between the two countries.</span></div><div><span>Chinese President Xi Jinping visited India on September 12–13 to attend the BRICS Summit, marking his first visit to the country in seven years. He also held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review relations and discuss ways to improve cooperation.</span></div><div><span>(with IANS inputs)</span></div>

The paramilitary force may issue an official statement on the matter soon.

‘No specific incident’: ITBP chief’s remarks reflect routine preparedness, deployment

‘No specific incident’: ITBP chief’s remarks reflect routine preparedness, deploymen

<p>One person was killed and at least four others were injured in a shooting in the Yvelines district, west of Paris, on Friday, French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said. A suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident.</p><p>Ali Rabeh, the mayor of Trappes in Yvelines, told French broadcaster BFMTV that the attacker opened fire from a car, apparently targeting people at random in what he described as an apparent attempt to carry out a massacre.</p><p>Among the injured was a 12-year-old girl, Rabeh said. He added that the suspected gunman lived in a nearby town, but authorities had yet to establish a motive for the shooting.</p><p>Lecornu said in a post on X that security forces had been fully mobilised following the incident. He also noted that the national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office was monitoring the situation.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Des faits très graves viennent de se produire à Trappes, dans les Yvelines. Une personne a été tuée et quatre autres blessées. L’individu a été interpellé et placé en garde à vue. L’ensemble des moyens des forces de sécurité et de l’autorité judiciaire sont pleinement mobilisés. Le Parquet national antiterroriste a annoncé se placer en observation. Les autorités compétentes communiqueront en temps voulu.</p><p>— Sébastien Lecornu (@SebLecornu) <a href="https://x.com/SebLecornu/status/2113572662236627105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2026</a></p></blockquote><p>The anti-terrorism prosecutor's office confirmed that it was following the case, although its representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The prefecture also declined to comment.</p><p>The suspect remained under arrest as authorities monitored the situation.</p><p><strong>This is a developing story.</strong></p>

Ali Rabeh, the mayor of Trappes in Yvelines, told French broadcaster BFMTV that the attacker opened fire from a car, apparently targeting people at random in what he described as an apparent attempt to carry out a massacre.

One dead, four injured in shooting near Paris; suspect arrested

<p>Ducati has launched the Formula 73 in India at Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom). It is a cafe racer-styled limited edition model. It pays tribute to one of Ducati's most iconic bikes, the 750 Super Sport Desmo from 1973. It will be produced in a numbered series limited to 873 units globally. All units allocated for the Indian market are sold out, and it is no longer available for new bookings.</p><p>The Formula 73 celebrates the 750 Super Sport Desmo, the first Ducati Road bike equipped with a desmodromic valve timing system. The Super Sport was in fact a replica of the 750 Imola Desmo with which Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari triumphed in the 1972 200 Miglia di Imola, the first European competition for production-derived motorcycles.</p><p><strong>Also Read | </strong><a href="https://english.zeenews.com/auto/article-skoda-slavia-facelift-3-reasons-to-buy-and-2-to-skip-3160361"><strong>Skoda Slavia facelift: 3 reasons to buy and 2 to skip</strong></a></p><p>Commenting on the launch, Bipul Chandra, Managing Director, Ducati India, said, "The Formula 73 is a rolling masterpiece that pays homage to one of the most significant motorcycles in our history, the 1973 750 Super Sport Desmo. We are incredibly proud to secure a highly exclusive allocation of these limited-edition motorcycles for our passionate Ducatisti in India."</p><p><strong>Design</strong><br>The Formula 73 wears a silver and aqua-green livery based on the original Super Sport. A vertical gold stripe runs down the tank. It nods to the unpainted strip on the Imola Desmo. That strip let the team check the fuel level without a gauge. The bike gets other cafe racer touches too. You see clip-on handlebars with bar-end mirrors, a short fairing and a tapered tail. The levers, footpegs and Rizoma fuel cap are made of billet aluminium.</p><p><strong>Also Read | </strong><a href="https://english.zeenews.com/auto/article-kia-sorento-top-7-pros-and-5-cons-3160386"><strong>Kia Sorento: Top 7 pros and 5 cons</strong></a></p><p><strong>Engine and hardware</strong><br>An 803cc Desmodue L-twin powers the bike. It makes 73hp at 8,250rpm and 65.2Nm at 7,000rpm. A Termignoni exhaust, developed just for this model, comes fitted. The chassis uses a steel trellis frame. The suspension has a 41mm KYB USD fork and a preload-adjustable KYB monoshock. The bike weighs 183kg wet without fuel. It rides on 17-inch spoked wheels with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres.</p><p><strong>Electronics</strong><br>You get cornering ABS, traction control, a quickshifter and two riding modes. The bike also has a 4.3-inch TFT display and full-LED lighting. Heated grips and turn-by-turn navigation are available as accessories.</p><p><strong>Collector touches</strong><br>Each of the 873 bikes features the model's name and serial number on the steering plate. It also comes with a certificate of authenticity. Ducati includes a box with period images and sketches from the Ducati Style Centre.</p>

The Formula 73 celebrates the 750 Super Sport Desmo, the first Ducati Road bike equipped with a desmodromic valve timing system.

Ducati Formula 73 launched in India at Rs 20 lakh: Limited to 873 units worldwide

<p>Former India fast bowler Parvinder Awana has been appointed chairman of the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) junior men's selection committee. The board announced the appointments on Friday, naming Krishna Das, Rakesh Patel and N Arjun Yadav as members of the panel.</p><p>The appointments were made following recommendations from the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), which screened and interviewed applicants before finalising the names. According to a BCCI media advisory issued by secretary Devajit Saikia, the fifth member of the selection committee will be appointed shortly.</p><p>Awana's appointment marks a new chapter in his cricketing career, with the former pacer bringing experience as both a player and a coach to the role.</p><h2><strong>Who is Parvinder Awana? Former India pacer takes charge</strong></h2><p>Awana represented India in two T20 Internationals and enjoyed a productive first-class career with Delhi, taking 191 wickets in 62 matches. He also represented India A and Rest of India and played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Kings XI Punjab, now known as Punjab Kings.</p><p>After retiring from professional cricket, Awana moved into coaching and worked with Delhi's U-16, U-19 and U-23 teams, as well as the India U-19 side. He also served as the bowling coach of Delhi's senior men's team.</p><p>Awana has been involved in several high-performance programmes conducted by the BCCI and its Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. His experience working with young cricketers is expected to be an important asset in his new role.</p><p>Following his appointment, Awana will have to relinquish his position as Delhi's senior men's bowling coach.</p><h2><strong>Krishna Das, Rakesh Patel and N Arjun Yadav named members</strong></h2><p>The BCCI has also named three other former cricketers to the junior men's selection panel, each bringing playing and coaching experience.</p><p>Krishna Das represented Assam and Goa in domestic cricket, claiming 166 wickets in 49 first-class matches. He also played for India U-19 and India A before taking up coaching roles with the India U-19 team and Uttarakhand's senior men's side.</p><p>Rakesh Patel represented Gujarat and Baroda during his playing career and featured for India A. He also played in tournaments such as the Duleep Trophy, Deodhar Trophy and Irani Trophy. Patel later coached at various age-group and senior levels for his former state teams and served as head coach of Baroda's U-23 side in the 2025-26 season.</p><p>N Arjun Yadav played 83 first-class matches and was part of India's U-19 World Cup-winning squad in 2000. He also represented India A and played for Hyderabad before moving into coaching. Yadav served as head coach of Hyderabad's senior and U-23 teams and has been a BCCI match referee since 2022.</p><p>The four appointees bring a combination of domestic cricket experience, coaching expertise and exposure to age-group cricket. The BCCI is expected to announce the fifth member of the panel shortly.</p><h2><strong>Junior selection committee's first major assignment</strong></h2><p>The newly appointed committee will be responsible for selecting India's junior men's teams, with the upcoming U-19 Men's Asia Cup among its immediate assignments.</p><p>The tournament is scheduled to take place from November 5 to 14 at the Al Amerat Cricket Grounds in Oman. The selection panel will oversee the process of identifying and choosing players for India's junior men's teams as the next generation of cricketers progresses through the age-group pathway.</p>

Former India pacer Parvinder Awana has been appointed chairman of the BCCI junior mens selection committee, with Krishna Das, Rakesh Patel and N Arjun Yadav named as members. The panels immediate assignments include selecting Indias squad for the U-19 Mens Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Oman from November 5 to 14.

BCCI appoints Parvinder Awana as chairman of junior men's selection committee, names 3 members

BCCI appoints Parvinder Awana as chairman of junior men's selection committee

<p><strong>New Delhi: </strong>Shares of Ola Electric Mobility declined over 6 per cent on Friday after analysts downgraded the stock to sell from neutral and sharply cut its 12-month target price.</p><p>In morning trade, the stock was trading at Rs 29.86 -- an intraday low so far -- on the BSE, down as much as 6.5 per cent after opening more than 2 per cent lower at Rs 31.50.</p><p>The selling pressure came after analysts at leading brokerage Goldman Sachs cut their target price to Rs 23 from Rs 39.28, citing concerns over cash flow, funding requirements and market share.</p><p>The brokerage said Ola Electric's path to sustainable free cash flow generation has become less clear due to high interest costs and capital expenditure requirements across its battery cell and electric two-wheeler businesses.</p><p>These requirements come at a time when the company is expected to see an extended period of operating losses at current market share levels, it added.</p><p>To meet current capex and interest servicing needs, Ola Electric would need its FY28 to FY30 revenue to be 3.6 times to 7.1 times its FY26 level, according to the analysts.</p><p>This compares with a 55 per cent decline in revenue in FY26 over FY24, highlighting the scale of growth required.</p><p>Moreover, the brokerage also flagged possible operating challenges in the battery cell business following the recent departure of its head.</p><p>It has cut FY27 to FY29 revenue estimates by up to 10 per cent to reflect a more challenging market share environment compared to two-wheeler peers.</p><p>Goldman Sachs said it could turn more constructive if a shift towards dealer-led sales and servicing revives the electric two-wheeler business and improves brand sentiment.</p><p>The stock has fallen more than 40 per cent in the last 12 months and 16 per cent year-to-date.</p>

The stock has fallen more than 40 per cent in the last 12 months and 16 per cent year-to-date.

Ola Electric shares fall over 6% as analysts downgrade to sell

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Speaking after being adjudged Player of the Match, Abhishek Sharma opened up on his knock, his time with Sooryavanshi in the middle, preparation behind such knocks and also on a special message from his mentor, Yuvraj Singh.

Mandeep Singh completed his hat-trick in the 3rd, 10th and 54th minutes, while captain Harmanpreet Singh (2, 44), Dilpreet Singh (43, 44) and Hardik Singh (60, 60) scored twice each. Shilanand Lakra (15), Abhishek (18), Nilakanta Sharma (26) and Jugraj Singh (46) were the other goalscorers for India.

Indias mens kabaddi team produced a strong all-round display, registering 30 raid points and 10 tackle points while inflicting six all-outs on Tanzania.

Tech giant Microsoft has announced plans to cut 60,000 jobs—over 25 per cent of its global workforce—offering employees a voluntary exit scheme until 1 December 2026.

Zaheer Khan, who replaced long-serving coach Stephen Fleming, held his first formal meeting with the CSK management in Chennai on Monday to finalise the support staff.

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