Priyanka Kumar’s Doora Theera Yaana Now Streaming on SunNXT: Cast, Plot, and Reception

The Kannada film Doora Theera Yaana, starring Vijay Krishna and Priyanka Kumar, is streaming on SunNXT. Directed by Mansore, it presents a sensitive exploration of love, misunderstandings, and trust through the story of a young couple on a road trip. With critics praising its realistic narrative and simple yet touching direction.

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Jay Kelly OTT Release Date: When and Where to Watch This George Clooney Starrer Movie

Jay Kelly is a comedy movie, featuring George Clooney and Adam Sandler in prominent roles. The movie explores the theme of self-discovery amid an identity crisis.

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

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

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

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

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 28, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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SpaceX Falcon 9 Deploys 28 Next-Generation Starlink V2 Mini Satellites

SpaceX launched 28 Starlink V2 Mini satellites Sept. 21, 2025, from Florida. The Falcon 9’s first stage, on its 11th mission, landed on a drone ship. This was SpaceX’s 119th launch of the year, further expanding its Starlink mega-constellation to over 8,000 active satellites in orbit.

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How To Train Your Dragon OTT Release Date: When and Where to Watch This Live Action Movie Online?

How to Train Your Dragon is all set to land on your digital screens. The movie explores themes of friendship, emotions, perception, and more.

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Charged Up Suryakumar Appeals For Field Obstruction, This Happens Next

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(With PTI inputs)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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'Bloodthirsty' Squirrel Terrorises US City, Hospitalises 2 Locals

An aggressive, 'bloodthirsty' squirrel on the prowl in a San Francisco Bay Area city has forced authorities to warn the public to keep their distance from the rodent. The squirrel has sent at least two people to the emergency room, prompting officials to urge residents to stay vigilant.

"ATTACK SQUIRREL BEWARE!!!!!!!!!" one of the paper signs around the town reads, while another adds: "THIS IS NOT A JOKE."

The squirrel has attacked at least five people, with the victims stating that the furry animal launched itself at their faces before they could realise what was happening, according to a report in ABC News.

"She almost killed me. The squirrel went from the floor and tried to jump up to my face, I was full of blood, and I ran to the emergency room," said Isabel Campoy, who was attacked during a stroll in the Bay Area city of Lucas Valley

"The tail was flying up here. I was like, 'Get it off me, get off me!' I didn't want to touch it," added Joan Heblack, who was on her morning walk in San Rafael, just north of San Francisco, when she was attacked.

As the story gained traction, social media users were left perplexed as to how an innocent-looking squirrel could wreak such havoc on residents

"Right, this seems to have permanently stressed me out," said one user, while another added: "I bet it was someone's pet... I knew a guy with a pet squirrel and that thing was a tiny demon. Attacked me for a pear I was eating. Actually, attacked me multiple times."

A third commented: "Don't feed the wildlife, kids. I worked on a golf course, driving the snack and beverage carts, and there was one hole that I always hoped I didn't have to stop on because, without fail, every single time I drove down that stretch of cart path, this crazy squirrel would leap out of the woods."

Also Read | Man 'Unable To Land Jobs' In India Despite 11 Years Of Work Experience In US

Meth-fuelled squirrel

In 2019, an Alabama drug abuser named Mickey Paulk was arrested after he trained an "attack squirrel" to defend him by feeding it meth to make it aggressive. Reynolds kept the furry animal in a cage at his home in Limestone County and fed it the drug.

He was charged with possession of a wild animal, stolen property, and possession of a weapon by a felon. He was later also charged with trafficking methamphetamine and chemical endangerment of a child, along with some other weapon and drug charges.

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US School Staffer Arrested After His Fart Spray Causes Rs 49 Lakh In Damages

A US high school staffer has been arrested for repeatedly using fart spray in the building, which caused physical harm to the students. The accused, identified as Alexander Lewis, 32, a teaching assistant at the West Florence High School in Florence, allegedly used the stink spray multiple times between August 25 and September 19, creating "a foul odour" and causing "respiratory issues" to some students.

The Florence County Sheriff's Office confirmed they arrested Lewis on charges of disturbing schools and malicious injury to property last week.

"Investigators have arrested a Florence man alleged to have been responsible for creating a foul odour at a Florence High School," FSCO said in a news release on Facebook.

"Lewis is alleged to have sprayed an internet-acquired spray designed to imitate fecal odour at the school on multiple occasions and over time, resulting in a disruption of the school."

Also Read | Man 'Unable To Land Jobs' In India Despite 11 Years Of Work Experience In US

Unbearable stench

After the students raised concerns about the unbearable stench, the school authorities inspected the gas and propane lines in addition to testing the air quality. However, none of it managed to solve the 'smelly' problem.

Parents also reported their kids staying at home as a result of the effects of the spray. “Every time I go to my second block class, I walk up the stairwell and immediately, teachers are covering their noses and their mouths, coughing because of the smell," one of the students told ABC 5 News.

An inspection of the school's air conditioning system found damage that cost the district more than Rs 47.8 lakh ($55,000).

Though officials did not reveal exactly how they managed to identify Lewis as the suspect, they stated that he was charged with disturbing schools as a non-student and malicious injury to property over $10,000. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are possible, authorities added.

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Why Shanaka Was Given Not Out vs India In Super Over Despite Being Run Out

A bizarre incident occurred during the Super Over of the India vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 match on Friday. On the fourth ball of the Super Over, Dasun Shanaka was given out caught behind off Arshdeep Singh. The Sri Lankan batter even reviewed the decision. Meanwhile, Shanaka started running as wicketkeeper Sanju Samson threw the ball at the stumps and hit them directly. However, he was deemed not out. There was a reason for that: since Shanaka had been given out caught behind and had opted for a review, the ball was considered dead from that very moment.

Arshdeep had appealed for a caught behind against Shanaka, which was why the umpire initially gave it out. UltraEdge showed a clear gap between the bat and the ball. Umpire Gazi Sohel explained the rule to Suryakumar Yadav at length, as the Indian camp looked stunned. 

Opener Pathum Nissanka's magnificent hundred went in vain as India defeated Sri Lanka via a Super Over in their inconsequential Super 4s match of the Asia Cup on Friday.

In the Super Over, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh struck twice to restrict Sri Lanka to just two runs, which India skipper knocked off in the first ball.

Earlier, sent into bat, India posted 202 for five, with in-form opener Abhishek Sharma slamming a 31-ball 61 laced with eight fours and two sixes. Tilak Varma (49 not out off 34 balls), Sanju Samson (39 off 23) and Axar Patel (21 not out off 15) also made useful contributions.

In reply, Nissanka produced a brilliant 58-ball 107 but Sri Lanka were restricted to 202 for five in 20 overs. Kusal Perera chipped in with a 32-ball 58.

Kuldeep Yadav (1/31), Varun Chakaravarthy (1/31), Hardik Pandya (1/7), Arshdeep Singh (1/46) and Harshit Rana (1/54) shared the wickets for India.

Brief Scores: India: 202 for 5 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 61, Tilak Varma 49 not out, Sanju Samson 39; Charith Asalanka 1/18).

Sri Lanka: 202 for 5 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 107, Kusal Perera 58; Kuldeep Yadav 1/31).

With PTI inputs

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

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

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

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

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

— RT (@RT_com) September 26, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sonam Wangchuk To NDTV On Possible Arrest And Key Allegations

Ladakh statehood activist Sonam Wangchuk and the central government are on a warpath following the violent protests in the mountainous region that left four killed and over 50 injured.

In an interview to NDTV's Padmaja Joshi on Thursday, Mr Wangchuk - who the Centre has held responsible for inciting a mob with provocative statements - said he made appeals for calm in both Ladakhi and Hindi when gunshots were heard, and refuted the Centre's allegations that he left the protest venue without controlling the mob.

"I don't know why they're playing this blame game after such a sad incident. If you look, I made an appeal in Ladakhi and Hindi while guns were blasting right near my ears. You can hear the blasts in that speech where I say this is not the way our path has been. Our path has been peaceful and this violence is not supporting us. It's doing more damage to the cause," he said.

"And right as I was speaking, there were explosions... So I made those appeals and then finally, I had to leave. Soon after I left, the security personnel thrashed people ruthlessly," he alleged.

Earlier today, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) cancelled the registration of Mr Wangchuk's non-profit 'Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh' (SECMOL) to receive funds from abroad for allegedly violating the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act or FCRA, 2010.

On whether his organisation received money in violation of FCRA guidelines or he got money into his personal accounts - the MHA has alleged several violations - Mr Wangchuk denied any such transactions.

"If at all, personal money has been put into our institute. I am one person who contributes one crore every year so that others contribute nine crores in matching contributions... You are saying foreign funds are received. Yes, they investigated it and we showed them we are not accepting foreign contributions," Mr Wangchuk said.

"But our knowledge, especially in passive solar heating and in artificial glaciers, is valued all over the world. The United Nations has paid fees for our services so that these technologies can be given to Afghanistan. Swiss University has taken our services. An Italian organisation has taken our services. These are business transactions, service agreements with full tax paid. They mistook it as foreign contributions. I consider it a mistake on their [Centre's] part and therefore I don't mind it. But that's what was thought of as a foreign contribution. It is not," he told NDTV.

The Centre has said the demands on which Mr Wangchuk was on hunger strike are integral part of the discussion in the high-powered committee. It said that despite many leaders urging him to call off the hunger strike, the activist continued his protest and misled people through provocative mention of Arab Spring-style protest and references to Gen Z protests in Nepal.

⭐ It is clear that the mob was incited by Shri Sonam Wangchuk through his provocative statements. Incidentally, amidst these violent developments, he broke his fast and left for his village in an ambulance without making serious efforts to control the situation.

⭐ The...

— PIB - Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) September 24, 2025

On the possibility of being arrested, the activist who won the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018 said he is "happy to be arrested anytime if it is for this cause."

He also added what seemed like a warning: "I'm preparing for that [arrest]. I am looking forward to it. I don't want to be in any confusion... But I want to tell you Sonam Wangchuk in jail will be equally, if not more problematic as Sonam Wangchuk outside participating in dialogues and discussions... because it will awaken people more about how this country is being run."

He narrated a list of work he and others have done to justify his activism.

"People who have given their lives for the education of the young, defence of the country, who worked with the Indian defence forces to build solar-heated shelters, who launched movements against China, boycott Chinese products... If such a person is jailed and then corrupt people are freely roaming around, that will be a great scene for the nation to see and understand what's happening in our country," Mr Wangchuk told NDTV.

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Trump Not Interested In Solving Kashmir Issue Between India-Pak: US Official

A senior US State Department official has said that Kashmir is a "direct issue" between India and Pakistan and the US has no interest in "asserting" itself between the two countries on the affair.

In a press briefing, the official maintained that, US will continue its "long-standing policy that this is a direct issue between India and Pakistan". He added that US President Donald Trump has "enough crises on his hands" but would be ready to help if he is asked.

"We will leave that up to India and Pakistan to solve," the official added.

He underlined that the US will focus on an America First policy when dealing with India and Pakistan. "We continue to see India and Pakistan in two sort of separate ways, seeing them on their own in the relationship, looking at an America First policy that advances our interest," the official said.

However, reiterating Trump's claims that he stopped the conflict between India and Pakistan, during his address at the United Nations General Assembly, the State Department official said, "it is a fact that the United States was involved in that crisis and absolutely helped broker that ceasefire."

India maintains that it does not want any third-party involvement in its discussions with Pakistan on issues such as terrorism, as New Delhi believes they must remain bilateral.

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. The Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 terrorists.

Since May 10, Trump has repeatedly claimed that he "helped settle" the tensions between India and Pakistan by telling the two neighbours that America will do a "lot of trade" with them if they stop the conflict.

India has denied the claims, maintaining that the ceasefire was achieved through talks between the Indian and Pakistani militaries and not US mediation.

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Blue Origin to Land NASA’s VIPER Rover on the Moon's South Pole in 2027

NASA chose Blue Origin to deliver the VIPER rover to the Moon’s South Pole by late 2027 under a $190 million CLPS contract. VIPER will explore permanently shadowed craters for water ice, a key resource for Artemis goals and sustainable human exploration on the lunar surface.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hubble Spots White Dwarf Devouring Icy Pluto-Like Planet 260 Light-Years Away

Using Hubble’s ultraviolet spectrograph, scientists detected carbon, nitrogen, sulphur, and abundant oxygen falling onto a white dwarf 260 light-years away, evidence of an icy planetesimal being torn apart. The find shows volatile worlds can persist into a star’s final stages, offering a preview of the Sun’s distant fate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Redmi 15 5G Review: A Big, Bulky, Battery Monster

The Redmi 15 5G aims to change the fortunes of the Xiaomi subsidiary, which has been losing ground in India when it comes to shipments. Consequently, the handset packs an interesting set of features and specifications. Its USPs are the 7,000mAh battery and an almost phablet-sized screen, although the handset isn’t without its compromises. But does the Redmi 15 5G impress enough?

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Scientists Confirm Ancient Asteroid Impact Created North Sea’s Silverpit Crater 43 Million Years Ago

New research confirms the Silverpit Crater in the North Sea was formed by an asteroid impact around 43 million years ago. Using seismic imaging and rare mineral evidence, scientists proved the impact origin beyond doubt, resolving a debate that lasted two decades and placing the crater among Earth’s rare, well-preserved impact structures.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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NDTV Explains: What Gets Cheaper Under GST 2.0 Reforms

India will witness a restructuring of its Goods and Services Tax (GST) system from tomorrow that government officials have described as the launch of "GST 2.0." The overhaul, coinciding with the first day of Navaratri, will impact nearly every household, business, and service sector in the country.

The GST Council, composed of the Centre and state governments, has agreed to rationalise the tax structure by reducing rates on hundreds of essential and mass-consumption items. For consumers, the immediate effect will be visible on supermarket shelves, in pharmacies, at automobile dealerships, and across sectors such as healthcare, insurance, and education.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that this restructuring will add around Rs 2 lakh crore to the economy.

What Gets Cheaper Under GST 2.0

Daily Essentials and Food

Zero tax: Chapati, paranthas, UHT milk, paneer (chena), khakra, and pizza bread.

5 per cent tax: Butter, ghee, dry fruits, cheese, sausages, meat, jams, ketchup, confectionery, biscuits, breakfast cereals, ice cream, coffee, fruit juices, and plant-based or soya milk.

This reduction from 18 per cent to 5 per cent is expected to ease household expenses significantly. 

Healthcare

Nil tax: Life and health insurance premiums - fulfilling a long-pending demand of consumers.

5 per cent tax: Life-saving drugs, medical devices, thermometers, oxygen, diagnostic kits, glucometers, corrective spectacles.

Pharmacies have been directed to revise MRPs and ensure reductions are passed on immediately.

Automobiles and Transport

18 per cent tax: Small cars (under 1200cc petrol, LPG, or CNG, and up to 1500cc diesel), motorcycles up to 350cc, auto components.

5 per cent tax: Electric vehicles.

28 per cent tax: Larger cars and SUVs, though this remains a reduced burden compared to earlier slabs.

Car manufacturers have begun announcing price cuts across models, aiming to capitalise on the festive season demand.

Consumer Electronics and Appliances

18 per cent tax: Televisions, dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, and air-conditioners, down from 28 per cent.

This rationalisation is likely to trigger increased purchases in the run-up to Diwali, as retailers adjust their pricing to attract middle-class households.

Education and Stationery

Zero tax: Pencils, sharpeners, crayons, exercise books, erasers, maps, charts, and globes.

5 per cent tax: Footwear and textiles.

Personal Care and Household Goods

5 per cent tax: Toothpaste, toothbrushes, talcum powder, shaving cream, hair oil, soaps, toilet bars, face powders, after-shave lotions, utensils, kitchenware, umbrellas, bicycles, and bamboo furniture.

These categories previously attracted 12 per cent or 18 per cent tax.

Beauty, Fitness, and Lifestyle Services

5 per cent tax: Spas, salons, gyms, yoga centres, and health clubs - earlier taxed at 18 per cent. However, these services will no longer enjoy input tax credit.

Construction and Machinery

18 per cent tax: Cement, down from 28 per cent.

5 per cent tax: Agricultural machinery, fertiliser inputs, biopesticides, tractor components, trailers, and sewing machines.

Builders and developers, among the most vocal critics of higher GST on cement, are expected to welcome this shift, which could reduce housing costs.

Services Sector Changes

Alongside goods, the services sector sees a rationalisation of rates:

Hotels and travel: Economy flight tickets and hotel rooms priced up to Rs 7,500 per night will attract 5 per cent GST.

Transport insurance: Third-party insurance for goods vehicles is now taxed at 5%.

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Amazon Great Indian Festival 2025 Sale Is Live: Best Offers on Smartphones, Electronics

Amazon Great Indian Festival 2025 sale is now live for Prime members. We're constantly scanning through hundreds of great deals and offers to bring you the best tech deals from the first big festive season sale of the year on Amazon.

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Aramm 2 Now Streaming Online: Know Everything About Nayanthara Starrer Tamil Drama

Aramm 2 brings back Nayanthara in a powerful role under Gopi Nainar’s direction. Building on the success of Aramm, the sequel explores deeper themes of democracy, rights, and social justice, promising an even harder-hitting narrative.

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US Woman Shares 'Crazy' Hospital Experience In India: 'Charged Me Only Rs 50'

An American woman has shared her 'crazy' hospital experience in India, where she was able to get a bleeding issue sorted instantly and at a minimum cost. Kristen Fischer, who has been living in India for over four years, took to Instagram to share a reel where she documented the time when she cut her thumb and started bleeding.

"I cut my thumb, it was bleeding a lot, I rode my bicycle to the local hospital, spent 45 minutes there, and didn't end up needing stitches, paid 50 rupees, and went home," said Ms Fischer.

Ms Fischer stated that the story was 'crazy' to her for two particular reasons. She listed the ease of the whole experience and compared it to the US, where it may have cost a fortune to get simple bandage and stitches.

"I had a hospital only 5 minutes from my house in my neighborhood. India has easy access to doctors, clinics, and hospitals. I feel so safe living in India knowing I am just minutes away from emergency help if needed," said Ms Fischer.

"They only charged me 50 rupees for the whole experience. For those who don't know, that is like 60 cents. Healthcare is so much more affordable in India than in the USA where most insurance premiums cost $1-2k/month!" she added.

Watch the viral post here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kristen Fischer (@kristenfischer3)

Also Read | Indian Techie's 'Relocated To US' Post Viral After Donald Trump's H-1B Visa Crackdown

'It's wonderful'

As the post went viral, social media users agreed with Ms Fischer's assessment, stating the Indian healthcare system does not have the roadblocks like the US.

"Agree. There is an abundance if help in India. And not just help but medical help. It's wonderful and it never feels like it comes with strings attached," said one user, while another added: "That's indeed a good experience you had. Sometimes they also give a tetanus injection to avoid any infection."

A third commented: "If the doctor is your neighbour, they will write off even that. Jokes apart, I had my first one in a village. The kind doctor was the wife of a faculty in the same college. She often used to write off the fees of poor women."

A fourth said: "I wanted an appointment with a gastroenterologist here in the US and the earliest appointment available is in February 2026."

In a previous video, Ms Fischer, a mother of four, stated that she does not "regret" her decision to set base in India, where she has met incredible people and seen amazing places.

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Blue Origin Successfully Launches 35th New Shepard Mission After Prolonged Delay

Blue Origin’s NS-35 mission carried over 40 scientific and student experiments beyond the Kármán Line, showcasing reusable rocket technology. The uncrewed flight ended the operational career of the RSS H.G. Wells capsule, highlighting Blue Origin’s dedication to research and education in space.

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"Won't Contest Polls Without Chief Minister Face": Tejashwi Yadav

The Grand Alliance will not contest the Bihar assembly election without a Chief Ministerial face, Rashtriya Janata Dal's Tejashwi Yadav told NDTV today, packing in a little dig. "Are we the BJP that we do not have any faces? We definitely will not contest the elections without projecting a Chief Ministerial face," he said in an exclusive interview while on supplementary Adhikar Yatra -areas that had been left out from the main Opposition footmarch that concluded two weeks ago. 

Mr Yadav has unequivocally endorsed Congress's Rahul Gandhi as the Prime Ministerial face of the Opposition INDIA bloc. Though in the process, he ruffled the feathers of several leaders, Mr Gandhi has not returned the favour and named him the Grand Alliance's Chief Ministerial face for Bihar.

Asked about the matter, Mr Yadav was unperturbed. "Wait a little bit. It is the people who would decide on the Chief Minister. But having a Chief Minister or a government is not the main thing. We have to build Bihar," he said. 

"It makes no difference if there is a delay of five or 10 days," he added. 

Once the seat sharing is done, this issue would also be tackled, he said, underscoring that they would not contest without a Chief Ministerial face.

On August 31, the penultimate day of the opposition yatra, Mr Yadav had dropped broad hints that he would be the Chief Ministerial face of the alliance.

"This is a copycat government. We need an original CM, not a duplicate one," he had said at a rally in Ara, targeting Mr Kumar. 

Then, turning to the crowd, he had asked, "Is it not a copycat government? Isn't it copying me? Tejashwi is ahead; the government is behind. Do you want a duplicate CM or an original CM?" 

While the Congress, as a junior partner in the alliance, is not likely to resist to Mr Yadav's being the Chief Ministerial face, Rahul Gandhi had avoided a direct reply when asked. 

"All INDIA bloc partners are working together in a spirit of mutual respect, without any tension. We will contest the polls together and the results will be good," he had told reporters, with Mr Yadav at his side.

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IMAP Space Weather Mission to Lift Off Soon, NASA Confirms Broadcast Plans

NASA will stream the Sept. 23 launch of IMAP with two rideshare satellites from Kennedy Space Centre. IMAP will study the heliosphere, Carruthers will image Earth’s exosphere, and NOAA’s SWFO-L1 will provide early solar storm warnings. Together, the missions advance space weather science while protecting satellites, communications, and power systems on Earth.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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JWST Identifies Compact, Metal-Poor Star-Forming Region Tracing Back to Early Universe

Astronomers using JWST have discovered LAP2, a tiny star-forming complex magnified by Abell 2744. With extremely low metallicity and a size under 33 light years, it provides rare insight into conditions resembling the early universe, offering clues about how the first stars formed and enriched galaxies with heavier elements

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Google Pixel 10 Review: A Brilliant Phone We Wanted to Love

The Google Pixel 10 price in India is set at Rs. 79,999, marking the entry point for the new Pixels this year. Despite massive upgrades like a dedicated telephoto camera along with new AI features onboard, the Pixel 10 manages to match Pixel 9 pricing at launch, which is a good thing. Yes, there are some downsides, such as an underwhelming processor, which can be frustrating when trying to game on the device. But if you're someone who doesn't game at all, then the Pixel 10 shouldn't disappoint you. Read our full review here.

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After 'Pig' Jibe At SKY, Yousuf's Fresh Dig: 'When Irfan Pathan Said...'

Mohammad Yousuf, former Pakistan batter with over 17,000 international runs, did the unthinkable during a recent discussion on a Pakistani TV channel when he derogatorily referred to India captain Suryakumar Yadav as a "pig." Yousuf's comment came after Yadav did not shake hands with Pakistan players following India's victory in an Asia Cup Group A match. Later, Yadav dedicated India's win to the Armed Forces and also expressed solidarity with the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

Yousuf repeatedly called Suryakumar Yadav a "pig" during the discussion about the handshake controversy on the channel. Even the anchor was shocked and attempted to correct him, but Yousuf continued to verbally abuse Yadav.

"India are unable to get out of their filmy world. India should be ashamed of the way they are trying to win-using umpires, torturing [Pakistan] through the match referee. It is a high note," said Yousuf on Samaa TV. He then began referring to Suryakumar as a "pig." Social media users were outraged over the comment from Yousuf, who played 288 ODIs, 90 Tests, and 3 T20Is for Pakistan between 1998 and 2010.

A low level rhetoric from Yousuf Yohana (converted) on a national TV program.

He called India captain Suryakumar Yadav as "Suar" (pig).

Shameless behaviour. And they demand respect, preach morality. pic.twitter.com/yhWhnwaYYq

— Slogger (@kirikraja) September 16, 2025

Now, in a post on X, Yousuf has offered an explanation:

"I didn't mean any disrespect to any sportsman who plays for his country with passion and grace. But why were the Indian media and people praising Irfan Pathan when he said that Shahid Khan Afridi was barking like a dog? Shouldn't that have been rejected by everyone who talks about dignity and respect?" he wrote.

I didn't mean any disrespect to any sportsman who plays for his country with passion and grace, but why were the Indian media and people praising Irfan Pathan when he said that Shahid Khan Afridi was barking like a dog? Shouldn't that have been rejected by everyone who talks…

— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) September 16, 2025

The incident Yousuf referred to came to light during a recent interview with Irfan Pathan, where he spoke about his off-field encounters with Shahid Afridi. Although Pathan dismissed Afridi 11 times in international cricket, it was Afridi's behavior outside the field that seemed to bother him more.

"During the 2006 tour, we were flying from Karachi to Lahore. Both teams were travelling together. Afridi came and put his hand on my head and messed up my hair. He asked me, 'How are you, kid?'" Pathan said on Lallantop.

"I thought - since when did you become my father? He behaved like a child. I was neither talking to him nor saying anything. After this, Afridi said some bad things to me. His seat was near mine."

Pathan then made a pointed remark that completely shut Afridi down.

"Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq was sitting with me then. I asked him what kind of meat is available here. He told me meat from different animals was available. After this, I asked whether dog meat is available. Razzaq was surprised and said, 'Hey Irfan, why are you saying this?'" Pathan recalled.

"I said, 'He (Afridi) must have eaten dog meat - he's been barking for so long.' After that, Afridi couldn't say anything. If he had, I would've said, 'Look, he's barking again.' He remained quiet for the entire flight. He understood from this incident that he wouldn't be able to take me on verbally. That's why he never said anything to me again."

Following the handshake controversy, Pakistan even threatened to pull out of the Asia Cup 2025.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anand Mohan's Timing

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

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

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

"Casteist" Jibes

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

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

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

Possible Impact

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

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

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

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

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Iceland Plume Discovery Reveals Ancient Volcanic Funnels Across North Atlantic

Sixty million years ago, Iceland’s deep plume fueled massive eruptions across the North Atlantic. Cambridge scientists discovered hidden weak zones in Earth’s crust that funneled the plume’s heat, explaining volcanic fields like the Giant’s Causeway. These ancient scars still shape today’s earthquakes and geothermal energy across Britain and Ireland.

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"India Is Going To Hammer You": Shoaib Akhtar's Blunt Reminder To Pakistan

Legendary fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has backed India to annihilate Pakistan in their much-talked-about Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai on Sunday. In a recent discussion on a Pakistani show, Akhtar reserved high praise for the Suryakumar Yadav-led side, claiming that the current lot is one of the most dominating T20I sides ever. "It is pretty obvious they are going to dominate you. They are gonna make sure that they hammer you. That's very simple. If I stretch it far, when it comes to making a statement, they would like to play against Afghanistan in the final, not Pakistan," said Akhtar, during a discussion on 'Game On Hai'. (Asia Cup 2025 LIVE Score: India vs Pakistan Live Updates | Follow here)

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq was quick to point out that this Indian team doesn't have the experience of Virat Kohli, who would bat through the innings even if they lost a few early wickets.

"Pakistan does have an opportunity in case they don't get a good start and lose two wickets. They don't have Virat Kohli, as the batting is different. The new guys haven't played these bowlers. If the Pakistan bowlers can create a hole at the top, they surely have a chance," Misbah intervened.

However, Akhtar silenced him with an epic response. He also praised the depth in India's middle middle-order.

"Not to counter your argument, but please forgive me. They have Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, as well as Jitesh Sharma," Akhtar pointed out.

"Even Axar Patel can bat. This is not the same team which would crack after losing a couple of wickets. This is not the team from Virat's time, it won't be easy to run through them. They also have Abhishek Sharma," said Akhtar.

"This is a very strong middle-order batting lineup India has ever produced."

Notably, India have defeated Pakistan in each of the last five meetings across competitions. Pakistan's last victory over India came during the Super 4s stage of the Asia Cup in 2022.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Prohibition: Nitish Kumar's 2016 Gambit Now 2025 Bihar Polls Lightning Rod

In Bihar's politics, prohibition has always remained a controversial, deeply debated subject, and it is becoming increasingly so with the Assembly elections just months away.

In April 2016, the Nitish Kumar government implemented a ban on the sale and consumption of liquor across the state, and the official justification was that it would improve law and order, reduce domestic violence, and improve social as well as health standards.

Nine years on, however, both the benefits and the drawbacks of the liquor ban are still sharply contested.

Recently, former chief minister and leader of the Hindustani Awam Morcha, Jitan Ram Manjhi, made a striking statement on prohibition. The sale of liquor in moderate amounts, the NDA ally had said, should be allowed and cases registered against such people must be withdrawn. His remarks not only intensified the debate around the liquor ban but also exposed political and social contradictions.

When Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced prohibition in 2016, he pitched it as a historic reform with clear objectives to reduce domestic violence. It was also believed that the step would help improve health conditions by limiting alcohol-related diseases, apart from saving household income, which would have otherwise been wasted on liquor.

Mr Kumar tied prohibition to women's empowerment, arguing that women suffered the most because of alcohol abuse. Surveys since then have indicated that public drinking, street brawls, and intoxicated violence have visibly reduced, especially in rural Bihar.

Prohibition also became a tool of law-and-order politics. The JDU leader projected it as a symbol of firmness - raids, seizures, and crackdowns on smuggling networks were showcased as proof that his administration upheld the "rule of law". Even now, state government statistics on seizures of liquor, drugs, and illegal arms are regularly presented as evidence of proactive governance.

Health, Wealth and Happiness?

As per data released by the government, cases of domestic violence in Bihar fell by about 12% between 2015-16 and 2019-20. Many women openly credit prohibition for this.

Mr Kumar's government also argues that the overall health of the people of the state has improved because of the liquor ban. Institutions such as the Patna Medical College and Darbhanga Medical College have reported a notable decline in alcohol-related diseases. Cases of liver ailments linked to alcohol consumption, for instance, reportedly fell by 18% between 2015-16 and 2020.

Since prohibition was imposed, nights are also much quieter than they used to be in villages and small towns. Public spaces once filled with intoxicated groups have become more peaceful. This social transformation is also often highlighted in political campaigns.

In addition to all of this, prohibition has given Nitish Kumar a long-term political advantage, especially among women. By branding it a "women-centric reform", he built a loyal vote bank that has repeatedly backed him at the hustings. 

Losses, And A Mafia

But there are flip sides, too.

The first is the huge loss to Bihar in terms of taxes. Before prohibition, the state earned around Rs 4,000 crore annually from liquor sales, which has now been wiped out. Between 2016 and 2025, it is estimated to have lost over Rs 30,000 crore in revenue.

Industry, and especially tourism, have taken a hit. Entrepreneurs complain that operating in a "dry state" discourages both investment and tourism.

The law also gave rise to illegal trade and smuggling and created a liquor mafia in the state, flush with cash and muscle power. According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, more than 2.25 lakh cases of prohibition violation were registered in Bihar. Liquor smuggling from neighbouring states - Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal - and from across the border in Nepal also increased sharply.

The illegal liquor business also put immense pressure on courts and jails. Between 2016 and 2024, over 4 lakh cases related to prohibition piled up in Bihar's courts.

And, buried among all these figures, lies a shocking statistic - around 20-25% of the state's prison inmates are there on charges of violating the prohibition law, placing an enormous burden on both the judiciary and prison infrastructure.

The law also acted as a catalyst for increased corruption. The police were given full responsibility to enforce prohibition, but this led to increased greasing of palms and extortion. Individuals and petty offenders are often punished, while major mafia networks have found ways to escape harsher consequences. This selective enforcement has angered the masses.

And then there is the allegation that there has been a disproportionate impact of prohibition on the poor - an issue that is extremely politically significant. Many daily-wage earners caught drinking or transporting liquor have faced heavy fines and jail terms. Several families lost their livelihood for months as their primary earners remained imprisoned.

Political Conflict

It is this impact on the poor that has triggered statements against prohibition by the likes of Jitan Ram Manjhi - an NDA ally, former chief minister and current Union Minister.

"The prohibition law has become a curse for the poor. Rich people manage to procure liquor secretly, but it is the poor who get caught," he said.

This statement is politically loaded for several reasons. Mr Manjhi himself belongs to the Dalit community and his political base lies among the poor and marginalised. Since this section has suffered disproportionately under prohibition, his statement channels their frustration.

Mr Manjhi's statement also shows cracks within the NDA - reflecting the pressure allies face, as many of their voters are directly affected by prohibition-related arrests and penalties.

Interestingly, while Mr Kumar links prohibition to women's support, Mr Manjhi highlights the plight of poor working-class men. This sets up a political conflict ahead of the elections later this year.

As Bihar moves toward the assembly elections, prohibition is becoming a lightning rod for debate. The chief minister continues to portray it as a tool for women's empowerment and social reform while the opposition parties like the RJD, Congress, and the Left attack it as a "failure of governance," citing revenue losses, black markets, and corruption.

For Mr Kumar's allies like Mr Manjhi, it is a chance to connect with affected groups - especially poor Dalit and backward-class men - by voicing their grievances.

The challenge for Nitish Kumar and the NDA is clear: they must decide whether to stick firmly with women's support, continuing to defend prohibition as a symbol of empowerment and moral reform, or adjust the policy - maybe by introducing controlled sale of liquor - to ease pressure and blunt the attack from the opposition, and sometimes even from allies.

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Astronomers Predict 90 Percent Chance of Spotting an Exploding Black Hole in Next Decade

Astronomers now predict a 90% chance of detecting an exploding primordial black hole within a decade. Such an event would confirm Stephen Hawking’s theory that black holes evaporate, releasing a flash of radiation and exotic particles. Detecting one would revolutionize physics and rewrite our understanding of the universe.

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DNA Cassette Tapes Could Transform the Future of Digital Storage

Researchers in China have developed a DNA “cassette tape” that stores data at densities far beyond current drives. By encoding digital files into DNA strands embedded on tape, the system allows compact, sustainable archival storage. A 100-meter DNA tape could hold 36 petabytes, reshaping the future of data centers.

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

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

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

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

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

Kiran More: From Wicketkeeper to Administrator

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

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

— (@Sachislife) March 4, 2023

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

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

A Crucial Juncture for Indian Cricket

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

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

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James Webb Space Telescope Spots Rare Protostar Blasting Twin Jets Across Milky Way

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has captured a rare protostar about ten times the Sun’s mass blasting twin jets nearly eight light-years long. The beams carve through the glowing Sharpless 2-284 nebula, offering astronomers a vivid glimpse into how massive stars form and shape their galactic environment.

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Oppo F31 Series Specifications Confirmed Ahead of India Launch

Oppo F31 series launch date was recently confirmed by the Chinese smartphone maker. Now, the company has published a microsite for the upcoming handset on the Oppo India website, which confirms several key specifications ahead of its arrival. The company has also shared the AnTuTu benchmark scores of the smartphone, which will be equipped with a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC.. It will feature a triple rear camera setup, housed inside a circular camera island.

Oppo F31 Specifications (Expected)

The dedicated microsite of the upcoming Oppo F31 series reveals that the handset will be powered by a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset. The company claims that the phone scored more than 8,90,000 points on the AnTuTu benchmarking platform. In smoothness, the company claims that the Oppo F31 Pro 5G series scored between 20,000 to 30,000 points at 40 degrees Celsius.

Moreover, the lineup will pack a 7,000mAh battery with 80W SuperVOOC Flash Charge support. It will be a 5G-enabled smartphone lineup. To prevent it from overheating, the Oppo F31 series is confirmed to carry a 5,219mm SuperCool VC (Vapour Chamber) system as well.

According to the microsite, the phones in the lineup are confirmed to come with “IP69+IP68+IP66” rating for dust and water resistance. Additionally, the microsite reveals that the Oppo F31 series features “Damage-proof” 360-degree armour body.

The promotional poster on the microsite shows two smartphones, one with a circular triple rear camera module in a golden colourway, and another with a squircle rear camera island in a blue shade. However, earlier leaks suggest that the upcoming lineup could include the Oppo F31 5G, Oppo F31 Pro 5G, and Oppo F31 Pro+ 5G.

Oppo recently announced that the Oppo F31 series will launch in India on September 15 at 12pm IST. Previous leaks suggest that it could be a mid-range offering. The standard Oppo F31 5G could be priced in India under Rs. 20,000, while the Oppo F31 Pro 5G and Oppo F31 Pro+ 5G could come with a price tag of under Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 35,000, respectively. The company will reportedly offer the standard model in blue, green and red colourways.

For optics, the entire Oppo F31 lineup is rumoured to feature a triple rear camera unit, headlined by a 50-megapixel primary shooter and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. On the front, it is said to carry a 32-megapixel selfie camera.

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Husband Impotent, His Ex-Cop Father Harassed Me To Bear Child: Pune Woman

A retired senior police officer in Pune has been accused of sexually harassing his daughter-in-law. A case has been registered against the former Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) following a complaint by his daughter-in-law, who has alleged sexual harassment and coercion at her marital home. 

The complaint also involves allegations not only against the retired officer but also against her husband and mother-in-law, police said. 

According to the police, the woman alleged that her husband was incapable of fathering a child. Instead of seeking medical consultation or exploring alternatives such as fertility treatment or adoption, the woman alleges that her husband and her mother-in-law pressured her to conceive a child through her father-in-law.

The woman has accused the father-in-law of repeatedly entering her room without consent and demanding sexual relations under the pretext of fulfilling the family's desire for a grandchild.

The couple was married five months ago. The woman and her husband travelled to Mahabaleshwar for their honeymoon around fifteen days after the wedding ceremony. However, according to her statement, the marriage was never consummated.

She has alleged that during the honeymoon, her husband refused to engage in physical relations. This, she claims, was due to his alleged impotence. The woman has stated in her complaint that her father-in-law not only made demands but also forcibly entered her room on multiple occasions. These intrusions, she has alleged, were accompanied by repeated demands that she submit to sexual acts with him.

The father-in-law's acts were endorsed by her husband and mother-in-law, she has stated in her complaint. 

All three have been named in the FIR and further investigation into the case is underway. 

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Insult To Women: BJP On Congress' AI Video Of PM Modi's Mother

The controversy over alleged abuse directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother has barely died down, when the Bihar Congress, earlier today, posted a video that has the BJP fuming again. The AI-powered clip showed the Prime Minister dreaming his mother was rebuking him over his politics. The BJP said it was an insult to the Prime Minister's late mother, women, and the poor. 

Heeraben Modi had died in December 2022 at the age of 99. 

"The Congress party is once again insulting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother. This is no longer the Congress of Gandhi; it has become a Congress of Gaali," said the BJP's Shehzad Poonawala. 

"Congress under Rahul Gandhi continues its insult of Honorable PM @narendramodi ji's mother. People of Bihar will give a befitting response to RJD & Congress that mock mothers and sisters of Bihar!" said the BJP's national spokesman Pradeep Bhandari. 

Mr Bhandari alleged that it was all happening at the behest of the Congress's Rahul Gandhi. In a video statement posted earlier, he said the Congress's 'Shahi Parivar' is insulting "mothers and sisters of Bharat".

"It is not just insensitive, it is sickening to see a party hate the poor of India so much! The Congress is anti-women and hates the poor people of the country," he said.

The last controversy over the Prime Minister's mother broke out at the end of August, when a video started circulating on social media. The video showed a group of young people allegedly abusing the Prime Minister and his mother from a stage decorated with images of Rahul Gandhi and Rashtriya Janata Dal's Tejashwi Yadav. 

As outrage swept the BJP, PM Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress and the RJD. 

"You all know that my mother is no longer in this world. Some time ago, after completing 100 years of age, she left us all. My mother, who had nothing to do with politics, was subjected to vile abuses from the RJD-Congress platform. This is deeply saddening, painful, and distressing," he said. 

"The slang used on a Congress-RJD stage was not just for my mother, but for crores of mothers and sisters. Princes born in royal families won't understand the suffering of an underprivileged mother and her son's struggles," he said at the launch of a scheme for Bihar's women entrepreneurs in Bihar. Nearly 20 lakh women were on the video conference. 

"I want to tell those who abused my mother in front of the people of Bihar -- Modi might forgive you once, but the land of Bihar and India has never tolerated insult to a mother," PM Modi said.

The Opposition hit back, pointing out that while mothers and sisters should not be used as props in a political battle, the rules should apply to the BJP and its leaders also. 

"Yes, Prime Minister is right. No one has the right to abuse anyone's mother or sister. The same thing applies to him, too, when he spoke badly about Sonia Gandhi and all the women of Congress on his stage. The Prime Minister has not apologised for that to date. Bihar's daughter was abused during the elections," RJD's Rohini Acharya had said.

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India's "Dump Truck" Swipe After Pakistan's Speech At UN

India has slammed Pakistan at the UN Human Rights Council, saying it doesn't need lessons from a “terror sponsor” that continues to finance and shelter the very networks that threaten global security.

"We are compelled, once again, to address provocations from a country whose own leadership recently likened it to a "dump truck", perhaps an inadvertently apt metaphor for a state that continues to deposit recycled falsehoods and stale propaganda before this distinguished Council,” Kshitij Tyagi, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, said on Tuesday.

Mr Tyagi delivered India's Right of Reply at the General Debate on the oral update by the High Commissioner at the 60th Session of the Human Rights Council after remarks regarding India were made by Pakistan.

In the stern message, Mr Tyagi recalled the “carnage" of Pahalgam, where Pakistan-sponsored terrorists turned a meadow of joy into a killing field in April this year.

“Lest we forget 9/11, as the world marks its anniversary tomorrow, even as we witness today the hypocrisy of those who sheltered its mastermind and glorified him as a martyr,” he said, referring to slain Al Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, who was killed in a US Navy SEAL raid in Pakistan's Abbottabad.

“Lest we forget Pulwama, Uri, Pathankot, Mumbai... The list is endless,” he added.

Mr Tyagi said that despite this, Pakistan “demonstrates the audacity to take the floor today, feigning moral outrage while continuing to finance and shelter the very networks that threaten global security. The international community recognises this charade for what it is.” Asserting that the world and India will not forget, Mr Tyagi said India's “measured and proportionate” response to the Pahalgam attack made that sufficiently clear.

“We need no lessons from a terror sponsor; no sermons from a persecutor of minorities; no advice from a state that has squandered its own credibility,” he said.

“Pakistan's systematic abuse of this forum, coupled with its routine manipulation of the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) as its mouthpiece, has become a familiar pattern. Its pathological fixation on India appears to provide it with existential validation. Yet, we must respond, lest we forget,” he said.

He added that India will continue to protect its citizens with unwavering resolve and will defend its sovereignty without compromise. “And we will continue to expose, time and again, the elaborate deception of a failed state whose survival depends upon trafficking in terror and tragedy,” he said. 

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

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Ex Nepal PM's Wife Suffers Injuries As Home Set Ablaze, Recovering In Hospital

Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, the wife of Nepal's ex-prime minister Jhalanath Khanal, suffered burn injuries on Tuesday after protesters set their house on fire. 

The incident took place at their home in Dallu area in the capital Kathmandu. 

Ms Chitrakar was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital and is recovering, said sources. Reports had earlier suggested that she had died.

Nepal's prime minister KP Sharma Oli, whose own house was set on fire, resigned Tuesday as protests against a short-lived ban on social media grew increasingly violent and expanded into broader criticism of his government and accusations of corruption among the Himalayan country's political elite.

Mr Oli's finance minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, 65, was chased through the streets of the capital, showed a disturbing video. The minister, showed the video, was kicked and thrashed brutally.

Demonstrations led by young people angry about the blocking of several social media sites gripped the country's capital a day earlier, and police opened fired on the crowds, killing 19 people.

The ban was lifted Monday night, but the protests continued, with demonstrators setting fire to the homes of some of Nepal's top leaders and the parliament building. The airport in the capital of Katmandu was shut, and army helicopters ferried some ministers to safe places.

As the protests intensified, Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli said he was stepping down immediately.

The demonstrations - called the protest of Gen Z - began after the government blocked platforms, including Facebook, X and YouTube, saying the companies had failed to register and submit to government oversight.

But even after the sites came back online, the rallies continued, fueled by anger over the deaths of protesters at the hands of police and against alleged corruption by the government.

In particular, many young people are angry that the children of political leaders - so-called Nepo Kids - seem to enjoy luxurious lifestyles and numerous advantages while most youth struggle to find work.

In the wake of unrest in Nepal, India has asked its citizens to defer travel to the neighbouring country until the situation stabilises.

Air India, IndiGo and Nepal Airlines cancelled their flights from Delhi to Kathmandu on Tuesday amid the anti-government protests.

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