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Rishabh Pant Set For Long-Awaited Return As BCCI Confirms His Comeback Schedule

By
Dhruv
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Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant is all set to make his long-awaited return to competitive cricket, and fans couldn’t be happier. The star wicketkeeper-batter, who suffered a serious foot injury during the fourth Test against England in Manchester in July, has now fully recovered. In a big boost for Indian cricket, Pant will captain India A in their upcoming four-day matches against South Africa A, starting October 30. These matches will act as a curtain-raiser to the main Test series between India and South Africa, scheduled to begin on November 14.

Pant will take charge of two different squads across the two games. The first match, to be played at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, will feature players like Sai Sudharsan, N Jagdeesan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Rajat Patidar. The second match, starting November 6 at the same venue, will see a stronger lineup with KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Akash Deep joining in. These players are expected to get some red-ball practice before the senior men’s team returns from their limited-overs assignment in Australia. After the two four-day fixtures, the attention will shift to the ODI series against South Africa, with matches set for November 13, 16, and 19 in Rajkot.

Pant’s road to recovery has been anything but easy. After being hit on the foot by a Chris Woakes yorker, he was taken off the field in an ambulance. Despite the fracture, he bravely came back to bat and scored a fighting half-century that gave India a competitive total. Unfortunately, the injury kept him out of action for months, forcing him to miss the series decider against England, the Asia Cup, the two-Test series against West Indies, and India’s ongoing tour of Australia. His comeback now puts him in contention for the upcoming home Tests against South Africa.

Throughout his recovery period, Pant often shared his frustration on social media, posting updates about his rehabilitation and the challenges he faced. However, under the careful guidance of the BCCI’s medical team, his determination and patience have paid off. India will now be hoping that Pant can quickly find his rhythm and continue his strong form from the England series, where he struck centuries in both innings at Headingley and followed it up with consistent fifties in the remaining Tests.

India A squad for the 1st four-day match: Rishabh Pant (Captain & WK), Ayush Mhatre, N Jagdeesan (WK), Sai Sudharsan (Vice-Captain), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur, Ayush Badoni, Saransh Jain.

India A squad for the 2nd four-day match: Rishabh Pant (Captain & WK), KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Sai Sudharsan (Vice-Captain), Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.

Pakistan Blames Diwali Fireworks for Lahore’s Toxic Air Quality, AQI Reaches 266

By
Alina Khan
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Pakistan
Pakistan

Pakistan’s Punjab province, particularly Lahore, experienced sharply declining air quality following Diwali weekend, with officials attributing the deterioration partly to pollutants drifting from India combined with local emissions and low wind speeds.

Cross-Border Pollution Claims

According to the Punjab Environment Protection Department (EPD), winds carrying pollutants from New Delhi and northern Indian cities contributed significantly to worsening air conditions in Pakistan’s Punjab, Karachi-based Dawn reported.

By Tuesday morning, Lahore’s Air Quality Index reached 266, making it the world’s second most polluted city after New Delhi, where AQI exceeded 300 at most monitoring stations.

Emergency Response Measures

The Maryam Nawaz-led provincial government activated emergency protocols, deploying anti-smog guns and water sprinkling operations on Lahore’s key roads. Nine departments have been mobilized, with smog response squads raiding establishments allegedly polluting the air.

Lahore police arrested 83 individuals in anti-smog crackdowns targeting factory emissions and tire and waste burning.

Regional Impact

With wind speeds between 4 and 7 km/h, airborne particulates affected Pakistani cities including Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, and Multan. IQAir, the Swiss air quality monitoring group, reported PM2.5 concentrations in Lahore at 187 µg/m³—approximately 37 times the World Health Organization’s recommended safe limit.

Official Statements

Marriyum Aurangzeb, a minister in Nawaz’s cabinet, described the situation as a cross-border environmental challenge. “Winds coming from Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Haryana will bring pollution into the air. Lahore’s AQI is expected to remain between 210 and 230,” she posted on X.

She announced construction materials in open areas would be covered, traffic restricted on key routes, and smoke-emitting vehicles fined or seized.

India’s Pollution Crisis

Delhi’s air pollution levels hit hazardous highs, with PM2.5 concentrations exceeding 248 µg/m³ in most areas. Despite court mandates limiting fireworks to “green crackers,” compliance was low, with widespread conventional firework use during Diwali celebrations.

On Monday evening, Lahore ranked third globally with AQI of 182, behind Kolkata (203) and New Delhi (213), both experiencing Diwali-induced pollution surges.

Bilateral Environmental Challenge

The post-Diwali haze has become an unwanted afterglow visible on both sides of the border, highlighting shared air quality challenges requiring regional coordination beyond political tensions.

RJD Releases 143-Candidate List Ahead of Bihar Assembly Polls

By
Alina Khan
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0
RJD
RJD

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) announced its candidate list for the Bihar Assembly Polls 2025 on Monday, fielding nominees for 143 seats as seat-sharing negotiations within the Mahagathbandhan alliance remain unresolved. The list was released on the final day for filing nominations for the second phase.

RDJ releases 143-candidate list

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav will contest from Raghopur assembly constituency in Vaishali district. Other prominent candidates include Chandra Shekhar from Madhepura, Veena Devi from Mokama, and Uday Narayan Chaudhary from Jhajha. Veena Devi is the wife of Surabhan, according to the candidate roster.

The RJD is contesting one fewer seat compared to 2020, when it fielded candidates in 144 constituencies. The party had distributed symbols to candidates before officially announcing the list, citing ongoing alliance disputes.

Bihar’s assembly elections are scheduled for November 6 and 11, with results to be declared on November 14.

Congress released its sixth candidate list post-midnight Monday, bringing its total announced candidates to 60. The latest list includes Surendra Prasad Kushwaha from Valmiki Nagar, Abidur Rehman from Araria, Jalil Mastan from Amour, Tauquir Alam from Barari, Praveen Singh Kushwaha from Kahalgaon, and Vinod Chaudhary from Sikandra (SC).

Congress had previously released 48 candidates Thursday, including state president Rajesh Ram from Kutumba and legislative party leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan from Kadwa. Additional candidates were announced Friday and Saturday, with Rishi Mishra fielded from Jale among others.

The delayed announcements reflect ongoing seat-sharing complications within the Mahagathbandhan. Both RJD and Congress have continued distributing party symbols despite the absence of a formal alliance agreement.

Internal tensions have surfaced within both parties, with disgruntled aspirants alleging that leadership has put tickets up for sale. These accusations highlight organizational challenges ahead of the polls.

The simultaneous candidate announcements by both parties, without a finalized seat-sharing arrangement, suggest potential overlap in constituencies. Monday marked the deadline for filing nomination papers for the election’s second and final phase.

The unresolved alliance dynamics may impact the opposition’s electoral strategy in a state where coalition strength traditionally plays a crucial role in poll outcomes.

Political Leaders Extend Diwali Greetings, PM Modi Promotes Swadeshi Campaign

By
Alina Khan
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0
Diwali
Diwali

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and political leaders across India extended Diwali greetings Monday, with Modi emphasizing support for domestic manufacturing during the festival celebrations.

PM Modi celebrates Diwali, sends wishes on X

In a post on X, PM Modi stated: “Greetings on the occasion of Diwali. May this festival of lights illuminate our lives with harmony, happiness and prosperity. May the spirit of positivity prevail all around us.”

PM Modi urged citizens to prioritize Indian-made products during the festive shopping season. “Let’s mark this festive season by celebrating the hardwork, creativity and innovation of 140 crore Indians. Let’s buy Indian products and say – Garv Se Kaho Yeh Swadeshi Hai! Do also share what you bought on social media. This way you will inspire others to also do the same,” he wrote.]

Political Leaders to X

President Droupadi Murmu conveyed her wishes, saying: “On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all Indians, both in India and across the world.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated: “Heartfelt Diwali greetings to all on this festival of lights and joy. I pray to Lord Shri Ram for the health and prosperity of all.”

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla encouraged national development, saying: “I extend best wishes to everyone on the occasion of Diwali. May we all pledge to work for the development of the nation on this occasion.”

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the festival as representing “the eternal victory of truth, righteousness, and positivity,” adding: “May the grace of Lord Shri Ram and Mother Janaki illuminate not only our homes but also our hearts.”

Ayodhya lights up on Diwali

Meanwhile, Ayodhya achieved two Guinness World Records on Deepotsav eve, lighting over 26 lakh oil lamps and conducting the largest Saryu River aarti. The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department and Ayodhya District Administration organized the event, with 2,617,215 diyas illuminated along the riverbanks.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wished citizens happiness and prosperity, calling for unity against “injustice, ignorance, and discrimination.”

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari echoed Modi’s Swadeshi message, urging citizens to use domestically manufactured products.

The festival greetings reflected themes of national unity, traditional values, and economic self-reliance across political affiliations.

‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ Marks 30 Years, Kajol Takes to Insta

By
Alina Khan
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0
Kajol
Kajol

Bollywood’s iconic romantic film ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ completed 30 years since its theatrical release, cementing its status as one of Hindi cinema’s most enduring classics. The film premiered during Diwali 1995, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in roles that would define their careers.

DDLJ makes 30 years, Kajol takes to Insta

Kajol commemorated the milestone on social media, sharing images including a poster from Switzerland. “DDLJ completes 30 years today in time but the way it has spread around the world and through everybody’s hearts and minds simply cannot be counted .. thank u all for loving it in this phenomenal way! Slide to see how far it really has gone @iamsrk #AdityaChopra #30YearsOfDDLJ @yrf (sic),” she wrote.

The film marked Aditya Chopra’s directorial debut, introducing a fresh approach to Bollywood romance. In a later interview, Chopra explained his motivation, stating he wanted to create something for younger audiences that his father, acclaimed director Yash Chopra, hadn’t previously explored in cinema. His vision successfully connected with a generation seeking contemporary romantic narratives.

The chemistry between Khan and Kajol became a defining element, establishing new standards for romantic pairings in Indian cinema. Their performances as Raj and Simran resonated with audiences domestically and internationally, contributing significantly to the film’s commercial and critical success.

The soundtrack has maintained remarkable popularity across three decades, with songs continuing to feature at weddings and cultural events. The music’s longevity demonstrates its cross-generational appeal and cultural impact.

Cast of DDLJ

Beyond its leads, the film featured a strong ensemble cast including Amrish Puri, Farida Jalal, Mandira Bedi, Himani Shivpuri, Parmeet Sethi, and Pooja Ruparel. Each performer contributed to the narrative’s emotional depth and relatability.

Released during the Diwali festival season, the film achieved immediate box office success and sustained theatrical runs that broke records. Its Diwali timing proved strategically advantageous, capitalizing on the holiday audience.

Three decades later, ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ remains a reference point for romantic filmmaking in Bollywood. Its combination of performances, music, and direction continues influencing contemporary filmmakers and maintains relevance with new audiences discovering the classic through various platforms.

PM Modi Celebrates Diwali Aboard INS Vikrant, Says This…

By
Alina Khan
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0
PM Modi
PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with Navy personnel aboard INS Vikrant off the Goa-Karwar coast on Monday, praising the indigenous aircraft carrier’s role during Operation Sindoor and highlighting India’s growing defense capabilities.

PM Modi celebrates Diwali

“INS Vikrant reflects the capability of India’s armed forces. Its very name gave Pakistan sleepless nights during Operation Sindoor,” the prime minister stated, describing the warship as “a testimony to 21st-century India’s hard work, talent, impact and commitment.”

He emphasized: “INS Vikrant is a name that shatters the enemy’s courage even before a battle begins. This is the power of INS Vikrant.”

Following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attacks, the Navy was placed on high alert in the Arabian Sea. INS Vikrant, accompanied by 8-10 warships, led one of the Indian Navy’s largest real-time operational movements outside routine peacetime exercises, prompting Pakistani warnings amid fears of possible naval strikes.

Personal Experience

Reflecting on spending the night aboard, Modi said: “I learned the importance of living in the moment. Your dedication is so immense that I could not fully live it, but I have definitely experienced it. I can imagine how challenging it must be to live through this every day.”

He added that witnessing the deep ocean at night and sunrise made his Diwali special: “Today, on one side I have infinite horizons, infinite sky, and on the other side I have this giant, INS Vikrant, embodying infinite powers. The glow of the sun’s rays on the ocean’s waters is like the Diwali lamps lit by brave soldiers.”

Defense Indigenization

PM Modi described INS Vikrant as a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India success. He noted defense production has tripled over 11 years, with new warships or submarines joining the Navy approximately every 40 days.

He highlighted global demand for BrahMos missiles and expressed confidence India will soon rank among top defense exporters, crediting startups and indigenous defense units for driving transformation.

Maoist Violence Reduction

PM Modi stated India is nearing “freedom from Maoist violence,” noting affected districts reduced from 125 to just 11. “While 90 per cent success has been achieved, I’m confident that police forces will succeed in completely eliminating Maoist violence,” he said.

Ayodhya’s Deepotsav 2025 Sets Two Guinness World Records with 26.17 Lakh Lamps

By
Alina Khan
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0
Ayodhya
Ayodhya

Ayodhya achieved two Guinness World Records on Sunday evening during Deepotsav 2025, lighting 26,17,215 lamps along the sacred Saryu River and organizing simultaneous aarti by 2,128 priests and devotees at Ram ki Paidi.

Record-Breaking Celebration

The records were verified through drone counts and official certification at the Saryu River bank, where the Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and District Administration organized the event. Devotees from across India and abroad gathered, chanting “Jai Shri Ram” as temples, lanes, and homes illuminated the holy city.

Event Highlights

A laser and light show illuminated Ram ki Paidi, where Lord Rama is believed to have achieved Nirvana. The celebration featured a Ram Leela performance, drone show, and fireworks display that filled the sky, captivating attendees including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

As Guinness World Records officials announced the certifications, Adityanath raised his arms in celebration before receiving certificates amid crowd cheers.

Chief Minister’s Statement

“Every lamp reminds us that truth can be troubled but cannot be defeated. It is the destiny of truth to be victorious, and with that destiny of victory, Sanatana Dharma has continuously struggled for 500 years. As a result of those struggles, a grand and divine temple has been constructed in Ayodhya,” Adityanath stated after certification.

He added that through Deepotsav, efforts have been made to build a distinct identity for Uttar Pradesh, ensuring citizens’ faith is protected under the “double-engine government.”

Growing Scale Over Years

Since 2017, Deepotsav has expanded significantly under Adityanath’s leadership:

  • 2017: 1.71 lakh lamps
  • 2018: 3.01 lakh lamps
  • 2019: 4.04 lakh lamps
  • 2020: 6.06 lakh lamps
  • 2021: 9.41 lakh lamps
  • 2022: 15.76 lakh lamps
  • 2023: 22.23 lakh lamps
  • 2024: 25.12 lakh lamps
  • 2025: 26.17 lakh lamps

Cultural Significance

The steady growth reflects Ayodhya’s flourishing cultural and economic development, with the festival becoming a symbol of the city’s devotion and governmental support for religious celebrations. The event showcases Uttar Pradesh’s efforts to promote religious tourism and cultural heritage while establishing Ayodhya as a major pilgrimage destination.

The celebration occurs against the backdrop of the Ram Mandir consecration earlier this year, reinforcing Ayodhya’s spiritual significance in contemporary India.

Election Commission Mandates Paid Holidays for Voters in Bihar Polls, By-polls

By
Alina Khan
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0
Bihar
Bihar

The Election Commission of India announced Saturday that voters in Bihar and eight assembly constituencies holding elections will receive mandatory paid holidays on polling days, with employers facing fines for non-compliance.

Paid Leaves for Voters in Bihar Polls

Bihar’s assembly elections will occur in two phases next month, while bypolls in eight constituencies across multiple states are scheduled for November 11. The commission emphasized that the paid holiday provision applies to all eligible voters in these areas.

“As per section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, every person employed in any business, trade, industrial undertaking, or any other establishment, and entitled to vote at an election to the House of the People or to the Legislative Assembly of a State/UT, shall be granted a paid holiday on the day of poll,” the EC stated, referencing the legal framework.

The commission clarified that no wage deductions are permitted for this holiday. “Any employer who contravenes these provisions shall be liable to a fine,” it warned, though the specific penalty amount was not disclosed.

The directive covers all categories of workers, including daily wage and casual laborers. According to the commission, the provision extends beyond workers employed within their own constituencies.

Voters registered in constituencies holding elections but working in industrial or commercial establishments outside those constituencies will also qualify for the paid holiday. This ensures that workers employed away from their voting districts can travel to cast their ballots without financial penalty.

The Election Commission has directed state governments to issue necessary instructions ensuring strict adherence to this legal requirement. The provision, established under the Representation of the People Act, aims to remove economic barriers to voting and encourage higher voter turnout.

The announcement serves as a reminder to employers across affected regions about their legal obligations during election periods. By enforcing this provision, the commission seeks to protect workers’ voting rights while holding employers accountable for maintaining democratic participation standards.

The two-phase Bihar elections and November 11 bypolls represent significant electoral events where this provision will be implemented and monitored.

Amit Shah Attacks RJD’s “Jungle Raj” Era, Defends Nitish Kumar’s Bihar Record

By
Alina Khan
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0
Amit Shah
Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a sharp critique of the Rashtriya Janata Dal during his three-day Bihar visit Friday, accusing the party’s 15-year rule of setting the state back by decades while praising Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s governance.

Speaking at an Intellectuals Conference in Patna, Shah targeted former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad’s tenure, stating: “In the 15 years of jungle rule alone, Bihar lost its pride, wealth, and knowledge. During the 15 years of jungle raj, Bihar had lost all its dignity, splendour, and excellence of every kind.”

Amit Shah lauds Nitish Kumar

Amit Shah credited Nitish Kumar with transforming the state’s trajectory. “Nitish Kumar has freed Bihar from jungle raj. PM Modi, over the last 11 years, has worked to develop Bihar,” he said, emphasizing that the upcoming elections would be contested under Kumar’s leadership.

The Home Minister challenged RJD’s campaign promise of providing government jobs to every family. With approximately 2.8 crore families in Bihar and only 20 lakh existing government positions, Shah questioned the feasibility: “To provide so many jobs, ₹12 lakh crore is needed, which is four times the budget of Bihar. From where will the money come from to pay the salaries?”

Shah also criticized RJD’s decision to field Osama Shahab, son of late gangster-turned-politician Mohammad Shahabuddin, in Raghunathpur constituency. “If RJD gives a ticket to Shahabuddin’s son, how can Bihar remain safe?” he asked.

RJD spokesperson Mritunjay Tiwary responded: “Late Shahabuddinn was made the MP by the voters, the people. Osama Shahab is an educated youth. Voters will also decide on him.”

Shah also targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s “Voter Adhikar Yatra,” calling it “ghuspetiya bachao yatra” (save infiltrator yatra) and supporting the Election Commission’s voter list verification efforts.

Congress leader Premchandra Mishra countered: “Our Voter Adhikar Yatra exposed how their regime deletes names of poor, Dalit, and minority voters from rolls to rig elections—’vote chori’ in plain sight.”

The exchange highlights the intensifying political battle ahead of Bihar’s two-phase assembly elections scheduled for next month.

Bollywood’s 3 Khans Reunite in Riyadh, Salman Praises Aryan Khan’s Directorial Debut

By
Alina Khan
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0
Salman
Salman

Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan reunited at the Joy Forum event in Saudi Arabia, where they shared memories and engaged in friendly banter highlighting their decades-long impact on Indian cinema.

Praise for Aryan Khan

During the discussion, Salman Khan commended Aryan Khan, Shah Rukh’s son, for his directorial work: “Aryan made a web show, The Ba***ds of Bollywood. It has done really, really well. So now his upbringing is the same! He did not want to… I would rather have him in front of the camera, and super serious father… and like I said earlier, Aryan will be the only person he will be happy with if he succeeds him.”

Shah Rukh’s Response

Shah Rukh Khan responded with characteristic humor: “Or if Salman has a son! Then I would like him to be the biggest star ever in the history of mankind. So we are working on that. But like Salman said, all the youngsters now are very video-literate and it has helped Aryan a lot.” The audience laughed, demonstrating the camaraderie between the stars.

About the Series

Directed by Aryan Khan, ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’ is a satire exploring the Hindi film industry’s internal dynamics. The show features Lakshya and Sahher Bambba in lead roles, supported by Anya Singh, Raghav Juyal, Bobby Deol, Mona Singh, and Manoj Pahwa. Critics have praised its writing and performances.

The series, currently streaming online, has drawn acclaim for its sharp narrative style and exploration of industry power struggles. The project marks Aryan Khan’s first major directorial venture.

Industry Dynamics

The exchange between Salman and Shah Rukh reflects Bollywood’s encouragement of younger talent and celebration of familial legacies. The event offered insight into relationships between influential industry figures while acknowledging generational shifts in filmmaking approaches.

Event Significance

The Joy Forum gathering reunited legendary actors while highlighting evolving narratives in Hindi cinema, as emerging voices like Aryan Khan receive recognition for creative work. The event sparked social media discussion, particularly after photographs of the three actors circulated online.

The reunion underscored the enduring influence of Bollywood’s three Khans while acknowledging the industry’s new generation of storytellers embracing contemporary formats and themes through digital platforms.

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