Fake Flipkart Delivery Boy Tries To Scam Customer, What Happened Next

A Bengaluru resident narrowly escaped a scam when a fake Flipkart delivery agent attempted to hand over a sealed box, claiming it contained an iPhone 15 ordered by his sister. In a Reddit post, he explained that her sister had paid in advance for the phone and opted for open-box delivery, allowing inspection before acceptance. However, the fake agent refused to open the box, raising suspicions. The resident began filming the conversation as evidence, documenting the agent's reluctance to allow him to check the package. The resident later verified the order status on Flipkart's website and contacted customer support to report the incident.

Just minutes after the fake delivery agent left, the official Flipkart delivery executive arrived at the resident's home with the actual package.

''My sister brought an iPhone 15 with VIP on Flipkart sale, it was an open box delivery. This loser (guy in white) came with a big package to deliver claiming that he can't do open box. We have to accept like as is. I refused he called some random people they said there is no facility like that,'' he wrote. 

''He was scared shitless because I recorded all this. Telling his partners in crime in kannada that I have recorded everything and all. I did not accept the package within two minutes other guy came to deliver a very small package and said that he will do the open box. We got the product because I recorded everything otherwise I am sure he would have gave me some random package,'' he added.

See the full post here:

Flipkart scammers beware
byu/taau_47 inbangalore

The Reddit post, which garnered hundreds of views, sparked a wave of comments from others sharing similar experiences of distrust with online marketplaces. Many users chimed in, recounting their encounters with fake delivery agents, while some praised the man's presence of mind.

One user wrote, ''Nice bro. Glad you knew something was off and recorded everything. It's very hard to trust Flipkart now. Their association with insane amount of scammers in all delivery pipeline is really scary. It's really disturbing yo know that Flipkart can't do or doesn't do anything about the scamming happening during the delivery.''

Another commented, ''Kudos to your presence of mind, I keep telling anyone as soon as something sus happens, pull out your phone and start recording. Make this an instinct. This is required in city that is corrupt to the bone like Bengaluru.''

A fourth added, ''Bro you made a pro move and saved from getting a brick.''

This incident highlights the importance of vigilance when receiving high-value deliveries. To prevent similar scams, it's essential to verify delivery details with the marketplace, opt for open-box delivery when available, and inspect packages carefully before acceptance.

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IIFA 2024: Rekha Lit Up The Stage And How

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2024 are taking place in Abu Dhabi. Day 2 of the event featured some electrifying performances by Bollywood superstars. A standout moment came from the legendary actress Rekha, who graced the stage with her enchanting performance of the classic song Piya Tose Naina Lage Re from the iconic film Guide. Rekha showcased her graceful moves that have mesmerised fans for decades. Dressed in a stunning pink Anarkali, she looked absolutely ethereal during her performance. Glimpses of this unforgettable moment were shared on IIFA's official Instagram page. "The night lights up as the iconic and ever-glowing Rekha gives a stunning performance on the stage of the NEXA IIFA Awards 2024 (sic)," read the side note. 

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A post shared by IIFA Awards (@iifa)

Earlier, Rekha shared her excitement about the IIFA performance. She said, “IIFA holds a special place in my heart, representing not just a celebration of Indian cinema but a vibrant fusion of art, culture, and love on a global stage. It feels like home – a beautiful showcase where the magic of Indian cinema truly comes alive, and I've had the privilege of experiencing that magic first-hand over the years,” as reported by India Today. 

The veteran actress added, "Being part of this iconic festival once again is a profound honour, and I am thrilled to contribute to the legacy of IIFA. The energy, warmth, and passion of the audience make it an unparalleled experience. I look forward to celebrating our cinema at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and creating more cherished memories with all of you at the 24th edition of IIFA. The incredible fans and the IIFA family make this journey truly unforgettable." 

The IIFA 2024 event kicked off on September 27 and is set to conclude today, September 29. The star-studded affair is being hosted by Shah Rukh Khan, Vicky Kaushal, Karan Johar and Siddhant Chaturvedi. In terms of significant wins, Animal, featuring Ranbir Kapoor, clinched the Best Film award, while Shah Rukh Khan took home the Best Actor award for his stellar performance in Jawan. Rani Mukerji was awarded Best Actress for her role in Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway.

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La Liga Live: Real Madrid Look To Break Derby Jinx; Match To Start Soon

Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid LIVE Updates, La Liga 2024-25: Real Madrid face cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid at the Civitas Metropolitano on Monday. Real Madrid are without Kylian Mbappe for this after the France captain picked up an injury midweek against Deportivo Alaves. Mbappe, who arrived on free contract in the summer, has scored five league goals already this season. In his absence, the onus will be on Vinicius Jr, who is the top contender to win this year's Ballon d'Or. Atletico, on the other hand, have given starts to both Alexander Sorloth and big money signing Julian Alvarez at the top. Englishman Conor Gallagher is another summer arrival who starts for Diego Simeone's men.

Here are the Live Updates of Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid, La Liga 2024-25 match -

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France Submits Final Price Offer To India For 26 Rafale Marine Jet Deal

France has submitted the final price offer to India for the 26 Rafale Marine Jet deal just ahead of the scheduled visit of Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to the country.

Defence sources told ANI that the best and final price offer has been submitted to the Indian authorities by the French side for the project and a significant price reduction has been given after tough negotiations in the proposed contract.

India and France are negotiating the deal for buying 26 Rafale Marine jets which are going to be deployed on the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and different bases.

The two sides had also held negotiations last week when a French team was in the national capital for finalizing the discussions with India.

The deal is scheduled to be taken up for discussion during the India-France Strategic Dialogue where the Indian NSA is scheduled to meet his French counterparts from tomorrow in Paris.

The deal is important for the Indian Navy as it is looking at strengthening its maritime strike capability.

India has also approved deviations in the letter of request, which is the tender document equivalent in government-to-government deals, like the integration of the indigenous Uttam radar in the jets for the Indian Navy.

Sources said that the integration would have taken a longer time of around eight years along with a high price to be paid to the French side for doing so.

India had also asked France for integration of indigenous weapons on the plane. This includes the Astra beyond visual range missiles along with the Rudram anti-radiation missiles.

The sources added that the price for the deal has been based on the agreements over rate it inflation to be taken into account and would be using the previous deal for 36 Rafale fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force as the basis.

Some of the Indian Air Force requirements have also been incorporated in the naval deal which will include around 40 drop tanks and a small number of work stations for the planes.

The Indian side is also going to get more number of long-range air-to-air Meteor missiles and with the anti-ship weaponry in this project planned to be concluded before the end of this financial year.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Apple Trader Runs Pablo Escobar-esque Drug Op, Evades Cops For Years

The orders for the drug were generated through WhatsApp, supplies were initiated and delivery made; but the delivery person and the final receiver never saw each other. In fact, people in the demand and supply chains operated like unrelated units.

Shahi Mahatma aka Shashi Negi, an apple trader in the upper Shimla region, ran an interstate 'chitta' (adulterated heroin) racket for five to six years, avoiding enforcement agencies by ensuring the dots were always so wide apart that they could not be connected to reach him. Negi remained the only common link between the demand and supply chain in his 'chitta'.

But he ran out of luck on September 20, a day after the police made this year's biggest haul of drugs in Shimla - 465 grams of 'chitta' from Kharapathar.

"Links of the accused Mudasir Ahmed Mochi, a resident of Bhatpura village in Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir (who was arrested on September 19) were established with Shahi Mahatma alias Shashi Negi and the kingpin was arrested," SP Shimla Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi told PTI on Saturday. 

Mr Gandhi said Negi and his 40 associates were supplying drugs in Rohru, Jubbal-Kotkhai and Theog areas of Upper Shimla under the garb of his apple business, and he had links with Nigerian drug gangs in New Delhi, gangs in Haryana and people in Kashmir.

Explaining the modus operandi of Negi's gang, Mr Gandhi said he made sure the drugs being delivered changed hands four times before getting to their destination. He had hired different sets of unrelated people for bringing in demand, supplying drugs and receiving payments.

He himself never used to come in direct contact with any of the partners, Mr Gandhi said.

The demand for drugs was generated in WhatsApp groups and, after verification of the drug user, it was sent to Negi, who had another team to supply the drugs.

At the time of the final handover too, the delivery person would keep the drug in an isolated place and share a video with the buyer, who would pick it up from there, Mr Gandhi said.

As for the money, it reached Negi's Dhan Laxmi account in Solan after travelling through various bank accounts, police said. And the people whose accounts were used during these transactions never knew it was drug money.

A fund flow of Rs 2.5-3 crores was detected in the bank accounts of the accused in the past 15 months, the police said.

Before the arrest of Negi, the police had already registered five FIRs under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act against nine persons who were part of the drug racket, police said, adding that, so far, 25 associates of the gang have been arrested. 

The social integrated intelligence network system involving local residents as informers helped in the registration of 650 cases and arrest of 1,100 drug peddlers, including 205 interstate dealers, in Shimla district in the past 18 months, said Mr Gandhi.

For impact assessment, police will increase intensive patrolling and the reach of social networking. Education institutions and large public places will be kept under surveillance to prevent such drug peddlers, he added. 

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Firing At Delhi Car Showroom, Shooters' Note Reads "Bhau Gang, Since 2020"

Over 20 rounds of bullets have been fired at a luxury car showroom in southwest Delhi's Naraina as part of an extortion attempt with the shooters leaving behind a slip, reading "Bhau Gang, Since 2020". No injuries have been reported.

The "Bhau Gang" mention is seen as a reference to wanted gangster Himanshu Bhau, who is believed to be in Portugal and sources said Rs 5 crore has been demanded from the owners of the showroom. 

The firing occurred on Friday at a showroom called 'Car Street Mini' on Naraina Road, barely a kilometre from the Naraina police station. Officials said at least 20 rounds were fired by three men who entered the showroom, causing panic in the area. A local police team reached the spot first, followed by Special Cell and Crime Branch officials.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Vichitra Veer said, "We received information about the firing at 7.30 pm. Our teams are investigating. Initial investigations point to there being three shooters. We are trying to identify and trace them."

The involvement of the Himanshu Bhau gang is suspected. 

A few months ago, a similar shooting was carried out at a car showroom in West Delhi's Tilak Nagar and the same gang was suspected to be behind the attack.
 

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Supreme Court To Hear Petitions Seeking Probe Into Row Over Tirupati Laddoos

After roiling the political arena for over a week, the row over animal fat allegedly being used to make the famed Tirupati laddoos will now be heard by the Supreme Court on Monday.

The petitions have been filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy and former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) chairman YV Subba Reddy, who is a Rajya Sabha MP from the YSR Congress Party. The party has been the focal point of attacks since Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu claimed last week that animal fat was used to make the sought-after laddoos given as 'prasad' by the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati under the previous YSR Congress government led by Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Both Mr Swamy and YV Subba Reddy have requested a court-monitored probe into the allegations. 

In his Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed earlier this week, the BJP leader requested the Supreme Court to direct the Andhra Pradesh government to file a detailed report on the ghee used for making the laddus and also sought a detailed forensic report. The state government had cited a report by a laboratory in Gujarat to claim that the ghee used in the laddoos contained traces of beef tallow, fish oil, and lard (pig fat). 

"There ought to have been checks and balances internally to supervise and verify and check the quality or the lack of it, of the suppliers supplying various ingredients to the temple which go into the making of the prasad," the petition said. 

YV Subba Reddy also filed a PIL seeking an independent special investigation team (SIT) monitored by a retired Supreme Court judge to probe Mr Naidu's allegations. Mr Reddy, who has been at the forefront of his party's defence against the Andhra Pradesh chief minister's claims, has repeatedly said that no adulterated ghee was used in the making of the laddoos.

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After AAP Vs Lt Governor, Election For Delhi Civic Body Panel Called Off

The latest flashpoint between Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the Lieutenant Governor came to an abrupt halt late this evening as the election of a single Standing Committee member of the civic body, which VK Saxena was insisting on being held tonight, was called off.  After an all-evening drama that included an eleventh-hour press conference by senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, officials from Raj Bhavan said the election will not be held tonight. 

Pointing to the Lieutenant Governor's message that the election has to be held by 10 pm, Mr Sisodia had told reporters, "How can elections be held without councillors? AAP and Congress councillors have gone home". 

Then he added, "Elections on one hour's notice is unconstitutional'.

Election for the seventh member of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi's Standing Committee - scheduled for today -- was deferred by Mayor Shelly Oberoi till October 5. Her move came after a row over security check of the councillors -- who were not being allowed even to carry their cellphones inside. The mayor had called it "undemocratic" and "unconstitutional". 

But Mr Saxena overturned it with an order that said the MCD Commissioner, Ashwini Kumar, is "directed to submit a report of conduct of elections of the sixth member of standing committee by 10 pm today".

"In case the Mayor is unavailable or refuses to preside over the meeting. the Deputy Mayor may be requested to preside over the meeting for conduct of elections," the order read. 

The Standing Committee of the MCD is responsible for taking most of its financial decisions. Currently it has three AAP and two BJP members. 

The appointment of a sixth member - pending for months - is expected to break the tie. With 12 members from zones already elected, it would take the tally to eight members for AAP and nine for the BJP in the 18-member Standing committee.

AAP has alleged that today's order was the Lieutenant Governor's tactic to tilt the balance of power towards the BJP.

In a statement, the BJP said it had asked the MCD Commissioner to hold the election as per law and directions of the Supreme Court. The party said it would file a contempt petition against the Mayor and Arvind Kejriwal tomorrow on Friday. 

This vacancy was created after BJP councillor Kamaljeet Sehrawat resigned following her election to the Lok Sabha from the West Delhi parliamentary seat earlier this year. 

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Explosion At Courthouse In California, Suspect Arrested: Report

Authorities were responding on Wednesday to a reported explosion at the Santa Maria Courthouse in California, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office amid reports that a suspect was in custody.

It was not immediately clear if there were any injuries

"Santa Maria Courthouse: report of an explosion. Please avoid the area. Scene has not been deemed safe. More info to follow," the sheriff's office said in a post on X.

Santa Maria Courthouse: report of an explosion. Please avoid the area. Scene has not been deemed safe. More info to follow.

— PIO Raquel Zick (@SBSOPIO) September 25, 2024

A suspect was inside the court building and threw a bag in an arraignment courtroom that then exploded, reported the Noozhawk, a local online news outlet in Santa Barbara County, citing Superior Court Executive Officer Darrel Parker.

The suspect was in custody, the news outlet reported.

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

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Paris Fashion Week: Neetu Kapoor Cheers For Daughter-In-Law Alia Bhatt

Neetu Kapoor one more time appeared as the biggest cheerleader for her daughter-in-law Alia Bhatt. Alia made her debut at Paris Fashion Week this year and Neetu Kapoor didn't forget to share her shout-out post on social media feed. Neetu Kapoor shared a video clip from Paris in her Instagram stories in which Alia and Andie MacDowell slaying the ramp like divas. Neetu wrote in the caption, "We screamed the loudest." Alia walked the ramp with stars like Andie MacDowell, model Kendall Jenner, Brazilian top model Luma Grothe, Ethiopian actress and top model Liya Kebede. The actress wore a silver bustier over a black jumpsuit from the shelves of Gaurav Gupta. Take a look at what Neetu Kapoor posted here:

Bubah Alfian, an internationally reputed makeup artist, shared a heartwarming video on his Instagram feed from the event. In the video, Alia Bhatt can be seen hugging him while he breaks into tears. Bubah Alfian can be seen greeting Alia by holding her hands. Sharing the video, Bubah wrote, "Several years ago.. Alia met @pevpearce, Then Pev said "my make up artist really likes you" then they took a photo together... and sent it to my WA with Pev...Then after that I met @harnaazsandhu_03 @missuniverse made a video singing the song Meri Jaan, then screenshot it with Aliaa and posted it on IG... and today I met Alia in Paris... and she chatted with Cinta... previously I also chatted with Enzy and I also told you about Pev.. she's so kind.. thanks a lot @aliaabhatt @claurakiehl @enzystoriacrying. so touched." Take a look:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bubah Alfian (@bubahalfian)

On the work front, Alia Bhatt made her big Hollywood debut with Gal Gadot's Heart Of Stone last year. She also featured in Karan Johar's hit film Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani with Ranveer Singh, Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi.

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Duolingo Will Let You Hone Your English on a 'Video Call' With a Chatbot

Duolingo, the ed-tech platform focused on teaching languages, mathematics, and music on Tuesday announced new features at its annual Duocon 2024 conference. The platform announced a new artificial intelligence (AI) feature with its Max subscription that will allow users to have conversations with an AI chatbot while simulating a video call. The company claims that this feature will enable users to have realistic conversations and improve their language proficiency. Apart from this, a game-like feature dubbed Adventures, and an expansion of its music courses with the partnership with Loog was also announced at the event.

Duolingo Unveils AI-Powered Features at Duocon 2024

At Duocon 2024, the platform unveiled several new capabilities, including the AI-powered 'Video Call with Lily' feature that allows users to start a conversation with Lily, one of the prominent virtual characters on Duolingo and engage in spontaneous and realistic conversations with the chatbot.

The company stated that the feature is aimed to “simulate natural dialogue” and offer a “personalised, interactive practice environment” to users. The AI-powered video calling feature is not restricted to any level of expertise in the language, and even users beginning to learn a new language can have conversations.

The AI can adapt to the user's skill level, allowing them to practice regardless of their proficiency, the company claims. Currently, the feature is available for Duolingo Max subscribers learning English, Spanish, and French languages.

Duolingo Max was introduced by the company last year, and the subscription tier offers AI features to help users learn more effectively. At launch, the subscription was available to users in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the US, and the UK. The company highlighted that it would be expanded to more countries in the future. The Max subscription costs $29.99 (roughly Rs. 2,400) a month and $239.99 (roughly Rs. 19,960) for the yearly family plan.

Duolingo's new Adventures feature
Photo Credit: Duolingo

 

Apart from this, a new feature dubbed Adventures is also being introduced. The company describes it as a “game-like experience”, and it lets users play out different storylines and interact with the characters to improve their language proficiency.

These storylines are placed in real-life scenarios such as ordering food or getting their passport checked to be more functional. This feature will be available on Android and iOS, but the company did not specify if it will also be available on the web client.

Duolingo is also expanding its music course capabilities with a partnership with portable instrument manufacturer Loog. With this collaboration, the platform will offer users to practice Duolingo Music lessons on a three-octave digital piano. This Duolingo x Loog Piano can be pre-ordered on the company website and is priced at $249 (roughly Rs. 20,800).

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It Seems 'Kalyug' Has Arrived: High Court On Elderly Couple's Alimony Battle

Faced with a couple aged between 75 and 80 years fighting a legal battle against each other for alimony, the Allahabad High Court on Tuesday made a strong observation, saying it seemed that 'kalyug' (the age of darkness in Hinduism) has arrived. 

Hearing a petition by the husband, Munesh Kumar Gupta of Aligarh, against a family court order in favour of his wife, Justice Saurabh Shyam Shamshery said the legal contest was a matter of concern and also tried to give advice to the couple. 

Mr Gupta's wife had demanded alimony from him and the family court had ruled in her favour. The man challenged the order and, issuing a notice to the wife, the high court said it hoped that they would come to an agreement by the next date of hearing. 
 

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PM Meets Zelensky In New York, Reaffirms Support For Peaceful Resolution

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York on Monday.

This was the second meeting between the two leaders in about a month. PM Modi had visited Ukraine on August 23 and reiterated India's willingness to contribute in all possible ways to facilitate an early return of peace in the Ukraine conflict.

PM Modi had visited Ukraine at the invitation of President Zelenskyy in first ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine since diplomatic relations were established between the two countries in the year 1992.

A joint statement issued following PM Modi's visit to Ukraine had said that both Leaders expressed mutual interest in working towards elevating bilateral relations from a comprehensive partnership to a strategic partnership in the future.

They reaffirmed their commitment to further developing bilateral ties for the benefit of the peoples of both countries based on mutual trust, respect, and openness.

The statement had said that PM Modi and President Zelenskyy reiterated their readiness for further cooperation in upholding principles of international law, including the UN Charter, such as respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of states. They agreed on the desirability of closer bilateral dialogue in this regard.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in New York, US

(Source: ANI/DD News) pic.twitter.com/z7mUwxZpvy

— ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2024

"The Indian side reiterated its principled position and focus on peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, as a part of which, India has attended the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, held in Burgenstock, Switzerland, in June 2024. The Ukrainian side welcomed such participation by India and highlighted the importance of high-level Indian participation in the next Peace Summit," the statement had said.

"Prime Minister Modi reiterated the need for sincere and practical engagement between all stakeholders to develop innovative solutions that will have broad acceptability and contribute towards early restoration of peace. He reiterated India's willingness to contribute in all possible ways to facilitate an early return of peace," it added.

Russia and Ukraine have been engaged in conflict for over two years.

A joint statement issued by Quad leaders after their meeting hosted by US President Joe Biden on September 21 said that they stand for adherence to international law and respect for principles of the UN Charter, including territorial integrity, sovereignty of all states, and peaceful resolution of disputes.
"We express our deepest concern over the war raging in Ukraine including the terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences. Each of us has visited Ukraine since the war began, and seen this first-hand; we reiterate the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with international law, consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. We also note the negative impacts of the war in Ukraine with regard to global food and energy security, especially for developing and least developed countries," the statement said.

" In the context of this war, we share the view that the use, or threat of use, of nuclear weapons is unacceptable. We underscore the importance of upholding international law, and in line with the UN Charter, reiterate that all states must refrain from the threat of or use of force against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state," it added.

President Biden hosted Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the Quad Leaders' Summit on Saturday in his home town Wilmington, Delaware.
PM Modi is on a three-day visit to the United States, during which he had bilateral meetings with several leaders, including President Biden.

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

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PM Modi Meets Ukraine President Zelensky In New York

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York on Monday.

This was the second meeting between the two leaders in about a month. PM Modi had visited Ukraine on August 23 and reiterated India's willingness to contribute in all possible ways to facilitate an early return of peace in the Ukraine conflict.

PM Modi had visited Ukraine at the invitation of President Zelenskyy in first ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine since diplomatic relations were established between the two countries in the year 1992.

A joint statement issued following PM Modi's visit to Ukraine had said that both Leaders expressed mutual interest in working towards elevating bilateral relations from a comprehensive partnership to a strategic partnership in the future.

They reaffirmed their commitment to further developing bilateral ties for the benefit of the peoples of both countries based on mutual trust, respect, and openness.

The statement had said that PM Modi and President Zelenskyy reiterated their readiness for further cooperation in upholding principles of international law, including the UN Charter, such as respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of states. They agreed on the desirability of closer bilateral dialogue in this regard.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in New York, US

(Source: ANI/DD News) pic.twitter.com/z7mUwxZpvy

— ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2024

"The Indian side reiterated its principled position and focus on peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, as a part of which, India has attended the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, held in Burgenstock, Switzerland, in June 2024. The Ukrainian side welcomed such participation by India and highlighted the importance of high-level Indian participation in the next Peace Summit," the statement had said.

"Prime Minister Modi reiterated the need for sincere and practical engagement between all stakeholders to develop innovative solutions that will have broad acceptability and contribute towards early restoration of peace. He reiterated India's willingness to contribute in all possible ways to facilitate an early return of peace," it added.

Russia and Ukraine have been engaged in conflict for over two years.

A joint statement issued by Quad leaders after their meeting hosted by US President Joe Biden on September 21 said that they stand for adherence to international law and respect for principles of the UN Charter, including territorial integrity, sovereignty of all states, and peaceful resolution of disputes.
"We express our deepest concern over the war raging in Ukraine including the terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences. Each of us has visited Ukraine since the war began, and seen this first-hand; we reiterate the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with international law, consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. We also note the negative impacts of the war in Ukraine with regard to global food and energy security, especially for developing and least developed countries," the statement said.

" In the context of this war, we share the view that the use, or threat of use, of nuclear weapons is unacceptable. We underscore the importance of upholding international law, and in line with the UN Charter, reiterate that all states must refrain from the threat of or use of force against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state," it added.

President Biden hosted Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, PM Modi, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the Quad Leaders' Summit on Saturday in his home town Wilmington, Delaware.
PM Modi is on a three-day visit to the United States, during which he had bilateral meetings with several leaders, including President Biden.

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

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Kajol Celebrates Mother Tanuja's 81st Birthday With A Gorgeous Photo Cake - See Pic

Kajol's strong penchant for fine food is not a secret. Being a die-hard foodie, the actress often treats her social media fanbase to several culinary outings. On Monday, September 23, 2024, she celebrated her mother and veteran actress Tanuja's 81st birthday. As we know, birthday celebrations are incomplete without a cake. Kajol decided to honour her mother with the perfect one. Sharing a couple of pictures on Instagram, she wrote, “If birthdays were flowers we would have flooded the table. Happy happy 81st aka 18 to our evergreen, crazy, beautiful goddess. Love you to the moon and back momma.” Kajol shared the same frame with her sister, actress Tanishaa Mukerji and Tanuja in the first snap. 

The second slide showcasing the unique birthday cake demands attention from cake lovers. The chocolate cake was decorated with pink and white flowers, chocolate and white chocolate icing and a few other adornments. On a block of white chocolate the words, “Gorgeous as always” were written with chocolate icing. A black and white photograph of Tanuja from her younger days was placed in the middle, giving a special touch to the cake.
Also Read: Farah Khan Celebrates Aditi Rao Hydari And Siddharth's Marriage With A Beautiful Cake

Take a look at the post here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kajol Devgan (@kajol)

Kajol's Instagram is full of foodie moments. Back in August, Kajol organised a get-together involving many lip-smacking dishes. The meal might have been served somewhere between lunch and dinner, prompting her to invent an appropriate new word — lindner. In the picture shared on Instagram, Kajol was seen happily serving a range of food to the guests. Read on to know more.
Also Read: Gigi Hadid Celebrated Daughter Khai's 4th Birthday With A Star Wars-Themed Cake

Kajol's gastronomical adventures are a feast for the eyes. On her birthday on August 5, 2024, she relished yet another unique customised cake. Shaped like a round bag, the cake was adorned with edible needles and wool balls. Do you know that the cake stood as a testimony to Kajol's love for knitting? Here's the full story.

Kajol's foodilicious endeavours are always tempting and wholesome. We are eager to find out her next foodie adventure.

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US Scientists Demonstrate Method To Deflect Asteroids Using Nuclear Blast

Asteroid collisions with Earth are surprisingly common, with NASA estimating 48.5 tonnes of meteoric material entering our atmosphere daily. Most burn up, producing shooting stars. Although devastating asteroid impacts are rare in Earth's history, humanity has learned a crucial lesson from the catastrophic event 66 million years ago. The asteroid responsible for the dinosaurs' extinction was approximately six miles wide, but significantly smaller objects still pose a significant threat. In the face of potentially catastrophic asteroid impacts, scientists are racing to develop innovative solutions to protect our planet. 

In New Mexico, scientists are exploring a futuristic solution to defend Earth against asteroid threats: harnessing X-ray blasts from nuclear explosions, the Guardian reported. Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque have successfully demonstrated a revolutionary method to deflect incoming asteroids using nuclear explosions. For the experiment, researchers harnessed the power of X-rays from a nuclear blast to vaporise the surface of a nearby asteroid.

The process works by unleashing an immense pulse of radiation, heating the asteroid's surface to tens of thousands of degrees. This creates a rapidly expanding ball of gas that can nudge the asteroid off its catastrophic course. By precisely calculating the blast's impact, scientists believe this technique can effectively push threatening asteroids away from Earth, potentially saving humanity from doomsday. 

"The primary mechanism involves using X-rays to rapidly heat the target surface, causing it to vaporize and expand into the adjacent vacuum. The expanding gas pushes against the asteroid, transferring momentum (in the opposite direction)," authors of the study published Monday in the journal Nature Physics wrote. 

Scientists noted that the nuclear option is for larger asteroids, particularly when time is short. Researchers believe this strategy can effectively deflect asteroids up to 2.5 miles wide, although this isn't a rigid limit.

“If there is enough warning time, one can certainly deflect larger asteroids,”  Dr Nathan Moore, the first author of the study said. 

Mr Moore and his team plan to conduct further experimental tests to refine the X-ray deflection technique, building on their initial success. Their goal is to enhance the method's effectiveness through additional laboratory experiments. Ultimately, they envision a space-based demonstration, similar to NASA's DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) mission, to test the technique on a real asteroid. 

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"Have Very Ambitious Goals To Achieve In 3rd Term": PM Modi In New York

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that he has set very ambitious goals in his third term to make the country a developed nation and asserted that India today is a land of opportunities.

"After going through this tough election process, this long election system, something unprecedented happened in India (this year). What happened... "Abkibaar Modi Sarkaar," PM Modi said in his address to thousands of Indian Americans in New York.

"For the first time in 60 years, the people of India have given a mandate which has great significance. During my third term, I have very ambitious goals to achieve. We have to move forward with three times the strength," he said.

PM Modi said he has dedicated his life for good governance and for a prosperous India. Observing that destiny brought him to politics, he said he had never thought of becoming a chief minister or prime minister. Over the last 10 years, people have seen this model of governance and thus have voted him to power for a third term, he added.

The prime minister was addressing a packed Nassau Veterans Coliseum with more than 13,000 Indian Americans. While the majority of them were from the New York and New Jersey area, Indian Americans came in from 40 States, organisers said. Sixty charter buses were used for transportation purposes.

Applauding the role of Indian Americans in strengthening the relationship between India and the US, he called them as India's brand ambassadors. Referring to a Sanskrit shloka that "it is those who make sacrifices reap benefits", the prime minister said wherever the Indian diaspora lives, they contribute to the societal and national development in every field.

In his remarks, the prime minister touched upon the celebration of democracy across the world, in particular in India and the US.

"While the elections in India are over, it's under process in the United States. The elections that were just held in India were the biggest elections so far in human history. When we see the scale of India's democracy, we are even more proud," he said.

PM Modi applauded the role of Indian Americans in making the country and community proud.

"Just yesterday, President Biden took me to his home in Delaware. His affection, his warmth, it was a moment that touched my heart. This respect is for the 140 billion Indians. This respect is for you, for your achievements, for the hundreds and thousands of Indians living here," he said and called Indian Americans as India's brand ambassador.

He also referred to the recently concluded T-20 World Cup in the United States.

India, he said, is now aspiring to be the third largest economy of the world from the fifth position. "Today, people of India, he said, are full of self-confidence, they have resolve and determination to achieve their goal," he said, adding development in India has now become a people's movement.

"Every Indian has confidence in India, its achievements. India today is a land of opportunities. It's no longer waiting for opportunities. It is now creating opportunities," he said, adding that in just a decade 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty.

"This was possible because we changed our old way of thinking. We changed our approach. We empowered the poor," he told the Indian Americans. It is this new middle class, which is accelerating the development of India, he said.

An entertaining cultural performance was the main highlight of the event before the prime minister arrived. The Echoes of India - A Journey Through Art and Tradition, showcased 382 nationally and internationally known artists. Prominent among them including Grammy award nominee Chandrika Tandon, STAR Voice of India winner and superstar Aishwarya Majumdar, Instagram's Dancing Dad Ricky Pond, and singing sensation Rex DSouuza, in a seamless experience of India's cultural diversity.

There were unique performances by 117 artists, impressing and entertaining attendees as they enter the coliseum. Organisers said more than 30 classical, folk, modern and fusion performances will pay homage to the rich and diverse cultures of India.

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

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Marxist Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayaka Wins Sri Lanka's Presidential Elections

Sri Lanka's election commission declared a previously fringe Marxist politician the country's president-elect on Sunday after a vote coloured by discontent over the island nation's response to an unprecedented financial crisis. 

Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, the 55-year-old leader of the People's Liberation Front, won the presidency with 42.31 percent of the vote in Saturday's election, the commission said.

Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa took second place with 32.76 percent.

Outgoing President Ranil Wickremesinghe -- who took office at the peak of the 2022 economic collapse and imposed tough austerity policies per the terms of an IMF bailout -- took a distant third with 17.27 percent.

Wickremesinghe has yet to concede, but Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said it was clear that Dissanayaka had won.

"Though I heavily campaigned for President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the people of Sri Lanka have made their decision, and I fully respect their mandate for Anura Kumara Dissanayaka," Sabry said on social media. 

Dissanayaka will be sworn in on Monday morning at the colonial-era President Secretariat in Colombo, election commission officials said.

IMF deal

Economic issues dominated the eight-week campaign, with widespread public anger over the hardships endured since the peak of the crisis two years ago.

Dissanayaka would "not tear up" the IMF deal but would seek to modify it, a party politburo member told AFP.

"It is a binding document, but there is a provision to renegotiate," said Bimal Ratnayake.

He said Dissanayaka had pledged to reduce income taxes that were doubled by Wickremesinghe and slash sales taxes on food and medicines.

"We think we can get those reductions into the programme and continue with the four-year bailout programme," he said.

Dissanayaka's once-marginal Marxist party led two failed uprisings in the 1970s and 1980s that left more than 80,000 people dead.

It won less than four percent of the vote during the most recent parliamentary elections in 2020. 

But Sri Lanka's crisis has proven an opportunity for Dissanayaka, who has seen a surge of support based on his pledge to change the island's "corrupt" political culture.

"Our country needs a new political culture," he said after casting his ballot on Saturday. 

Around 76 percent of Sri Lanka's 17.1 million eligible voters cast ballots in Saturday's poll. 

Dissanayaka's party sought to reassure India that any administration he led would not be caught up in geopolitical rivalry between its northern neighbour and China, the country's largest lender.

New Delhi has expressed concerns over what it sees as Beijing's growing influence in Sri Lanka, which sits on vital shipping lanes criss-crossing the Indian Ocean.

"Sri Lankan territory will not be used against any other nation," Ratnayake told AFP. 

"We are fully aware of the geopolitical situation in our region, but we will not participate."

Austerity rejected

Wickremesinghe sought re-election to continue belt-tightening measures that stabilised the economy and ended months of food, fuel and medicine shortages during Sri Lanka's economic meltdown.

His two years in office restored calm to the streets after civil unrest spurred by the downturn saw thousands storm the compound of his predecessor Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who then fled the country.

But Wickremesinghe's tax hikes and other measures imposed under the $2.9 billion IMF bailout he secured last year left millions struggling to make ends meet.

Official data showed that Sri Lanka's poverty rate doubled to 25 percent between 2021 and 2022, adding more than 2.5 million people to those already living on less than $3.65 a day.

Thousands of police were deployed to keep watch over voting on Saturday.

A temporary curfew was imposed after polls closed, despite police reporting that there had been no violence during or after balloting.

No victory rallies or celebrations are permitted until a week after the final results are declared. 

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

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"Each Time We Sit Down...": Biden Posts Pics Of Meeting PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met US President Joe Biden on the margins of the Quad summit. PM Modi was welcomed by Mr Biden at his residence, where the two leaders hugged each other. Mr Biden held PM Modi's hand as he led him into the house.

"The United States' partnership with India is stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history. Prime Minister Modi, each time we sit down, I'm struck by our ability to find new areas of cooperation. Today was no different," President Biden said in a post on X.

The United States' partnership with India is stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history.

Prime Minister Modi, each time we sit down, I'm struck by our ability to find new areas of cooperation. Today was no different. pic.twitter.com/TdcIpF23mV

— President Biden (@POTUS) September 21, 2024

PM Modi's US visit is accompanied by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Ambassador of India to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra. The US team included Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs TH Jake Sullivan and Ambassador of the US to India Eric Garcetti.

PM Modi, who is on a three-day visit, will also hold separate bilateral meetings with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who are in the US for the Quad Summit.

The annual Quad summit being hosted by President Biden in his hometown Wilmington is expected to roll out a series of new initiatives to boost cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and explore ways to find peaceful solutions to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

The four-member Quad, or the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, advocates upholding a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Beijing sees it as an anti-China grouping.

In his departure statement in New Delhi, PM Modi said he looked forward to joining his colleagues President Biden, Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Kishida for the Quad Summit.

"The forum has emerged as a key group of like-minded countries to work for peace, progress and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region," he added.

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"Our Children Working Like Slaves": EY Employee's Mother To Rahul Gandhi

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday spoke with the parents of Anna Sebastian Perayil, the 26-year-old Ernst & Young employee who died allegedly due to extreme work pressure. Over a video call, he offered them his sympathies and said he will ensure the tragedy becomes a catalyst for change.

"I spoke with the heartbroken parents of Anna Sebastian, a bright and ambitious young professional whose life was tragically cut short by toxic and unforgiving work conditions," wrote Mr Gandhi in an online post, sharing a video of their conversation.

I spoke with the heartbroken parents of Anna Sebastian, a bright and ambitious young professional whose life was tragically cut short by toxic and unforgiving work conditions.

In the face of unimaginable grief, Anna's mother has shown remarkable courage and selflessness, turning… pic.twitter.com/XY9PXbYAIK

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 21, 2024

He also praised Anna's mother for showing "remarkable courage and selflessness" and speaking up despite personal loss in the larger interest of improving working conditions of professionals.

During their conversation, Mr Gandhi asked Anna's parents how the atmosphere was at her workplace - "Was it very toxic? What was going on?"

Her mother replied with a "yes".

"She (Anna) used to always say that they had very long working hours. They have to work continuously. Night, Saturday, Sunday. No restrictions. Children are made to work like that. Mainly the young employees, new ones. She had no time even for her personal things," she said while sobbing on the video call.

"She called me every night and she would say 'Amma, I can't speak, I'm dead tired. I am going to sleep.' Even when she came back from office, she just (used to) drop on her bed. So exhausted," she added.

Anna's mother went on to say that children are subjected to torture and made to "work like slaves".

"Rahul ji, what I have to say is, only in India, children are subjected to such torture. If it is outside India, will they ask their employees to work like this? They say we have received freedom in 1947, but our children are still working like slaves. Even now they are working like slaves. Children who study so hard to reach where they are, being put through so much slavery, why? Why are our children made to suffer like this?" she added.

Mr Gandhi asked them if they want him to raise the issue in parliament. They said yes.

"We are fully with you. However we can support your cause, we are happy to do it," he said, assuring Anna's parents that he will fight for this cause in his capacity as the Leader of the Opposition.

Anna Perayil, a Chartered Accountant from Kerala who worked at EY India, died allegedly due to work-related stress, sparking a nationwide debate over work-life balance and corporate accountability.

In a statement on Wednesday, EY said that it is deeply saddened by Anna's untimely death and that it will continue to improve and provide a healthy workplace in its offices across the country.

The Union Labour Ministry has begun a probe into the circumstances that led to the EY employee's death.

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Rahul's Goofy Reaction Viral As Pant Gets Lifeline En Route To 6th Test Ton

Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill put on 167 runs in the second innings to give India a stronghold in the ongoing 1st Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. Pant slammed his 6th Test ton, which put on him on-par with MS Dhoni as the wicketkeeper with most centuries for India in the format. Gill, on the other hand, registered his 6th score of 100 or more, following a duck in the first innings. However, Pant got a huge reprieve after Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto dropped a sitter when the wicketkeeper batter was at 72.

The incident happened in the 49th over as the ball ballooned high in the air after Pant mistimed his pull. This led to a series of emotions from KL Rahul, who was sitting in the pavilion all padded up.

As the ball went in the air, Rahul left his chair in order to get ready for batting. However, fate had other ideas as Shanto dropped a sitter. Rahul had a wry smile on his face as he returned to take his seat.

Jab rishabh pant ki catch hawa me gyi to kl rahul ko laga out aur wo seat se khade hoke ane lag gye lekin catch chhut gyi aur unko phir se chair par baithna pada jaha siraj bhi has rhe the #INDvBAN #RishabhPant #KLRahul pic.twitter.com/e13Xb5BjP6

— CRICUU (@CRICUUU) September 21, 2024

Pant, who made 109, and Gill, unbeaten on 119, put on 167 runs for the fourth wicket to ram home India's advantage in the second session after they bundled out Bangladesh for 149 on day two.

Pant, a left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, smashed the bowlers to every corner before a double off Shakib Al Hasan got him his sixth Test century.

The 26-year-old, who survived a near-fatal car crash in December 2022, took off his helmet and raised his bat to acknowledge a standing ovation from the weekend crowd.

He finally fell caught and bowled by spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz after his 128-ball knock that included 13 fours and four sixes.

Gill kept up the charge and raised his fifth Test ton before skipper Rohit Sharma called him and KL Rahul, on 22, back.

Bangladesh's chase of 515 is currently underway.

(With AFP Inputs)

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Denied A Birthday Leave Himself, CEO Introduces New Policy, Wins Applause

A corporate firm, is receiving widespread praise for its new "Birthday Plus One" leave policy. It allows employees to be off for an additional two days every year, one for a birthday and another for either a family member or a close friend.

The policy, introduced by company founder Abhijit Chakraborty, as a refreshing change in the corporate culture, where work is usually ahead of personal celebration, or maybe even synchronised with it, is an effort to address the same. Chakraborty, recalling the birthday leave request being disapproved early into his career, led off by stating that an employee should be allowed to celebrate without guilt.

"In one of my early roles, my boss once asked me, Why do you need a leave? I told him, It's my birthday. He shot me a strange look, as if a crime were committed," He noted on LinkedIn, "If it's someone's birthday, they deserve a gift. Not a leave deduction and weird reactions."

The post went viral online as the company announced the move, where most people welcomed the firm for its progressive approach to work-life balance as they celebrate a leave day during which a child or other loved one's birthday falls.

Chakraborty's post also reflects the company's commitment towards making a work-friendly space. He said that as the company grows further, possibly more birthday-related leave days will abound, furthering the dedication of the company towards employee happiness and personal milestones.

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What Lankan President, Seeking Re-Election, Said About India: 5 Key Quotes

1. "India and Sri Lanka have to have a close economic relationship. The vision statement that Prime Minister Modi and I had issued mentions this," Mr Wickremesinghe, who is seeking another term as President, told NDTV.
2. Speaking further about areas of shared investment and development, Mr Wickremesinghe said, "India has a huge demand of renewable energy, as do we. That is an area we seek to strengthen ties. When the Singapore-India pipeline (via Andaman and Nicobar Islands) is complete, we too can look for opportunity in it."
3. Other significant area that he said Sri Lanka aims partner with India for is to enhance port infrastructure and to get more tourists from India. "We want to encourage more investments from India and more tourists from India. We are working together with India on infrastructure projects like the Trincomalee Harbour," he said.
4. Speaking about the social and cultural ties shared by the two countries, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said, "that has been happening for thousands of years". He also said that the two nations share very strong people-to-people ties and that it is the people's mutual regard and appreciation that is the bedrock of India-Sri Lanka relations. "There will always be some groups who may make anti-India remarks, what needs to be done is to minimise it. As far as the India-Sri Lanka friendship is concerned, it is decided by the people and they have already decided it. So, let's further strengthen (the bond)."
5. India's economy has "taken off", the Sri Lankan President told NDTV, adding that Sri Lanka would also like to benefit from it, after all India is "just 20 miles away" and the two nations have shared deep cultural and historical ties. Mr Wickremesinghe further said that "Sri Lanka will deal with China as well to fulfill its national objectives, but at the same time, we will always keep India's interests in mind."

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"My Availability...": Ponting Breaks Silence On Split With Delhi Capitals

After his appointment as the head coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting opened up on his exit from the Delhi Capitals (DC) coaching setup, saying that his availability had become an issue and the franchise wanted him to operate as a full-time head coach. Ponting has been named the new head coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) starting from IPL 2025, following his departure from Delhi Capitals two months ago, ending a seven-year stint with the franchise. Ponting becomes the third head coach in four seasons for Punjab Kings, who finished ninth in the 2024 IPL season. The team has not made the playoffs since 2014, when they were runners-up. One of Ponting's initial tasks will be to identify players for retention ahead of the next season, pending the finalisation of the IPL's retention rules.

Ponting's IPL journey began as a player with Kolkata Knight Riders in the inaugural 2008 season. He later joined the Mumbai Indians, where he relinquished the captaincy mid-season in 2013, allowing Rohit Sharma to take over and lead the team to their first title that year. Ponting continued in an advisory role in 2014 and served as head coach in 2015 and 2016.

In 2018, Ponting took over as head coach of the Delhi Capitals, guiding them to three consecutive playoff appearances from 2019 to 2021, including their maiden final in 2020.

After his tenure with the Delhi Capitals ended in July 2024, Ponting led the Washington Freedom to a title-winning campaign in the Major League Cricket (MLC).

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Ponting said that he managed to create a "family environment" during his stint with the Capitals.

"I felt like we created a really good family environment there. As I said, I understand what they want; they said to me that my availability was becoming an issue. And they wanted to pretty much have a full-time head coach. I could not commit to that, so I was disappointed that it ended, but I understand the direction they wanted to head going forward," said Ponting.

"Everyone that I have been there with, has had a great time. You have only to look at some of the social media posts that Delhi put out straightaway to understand that a lot of the people involved in the franchise were disappointed that I wasn't continuing as well. But the decisions were made," he added.

Ponting said that the pressure of winning a trophy weighs heavy on a coach, but he wants that pressure.

"That is the thing that makes coaching inviting to me. I like having that pressure. It is as close to getting back to playing as you can possibly get. From the moment I finished playing, when that competition stops in your life, it is really hard to replace that again. The closest thing I could find to playing was getting back in the cricket team's changing room being a coach and feeling like you are actually playing again. And coaching against guys that I might have played against and guys that are coaching that I played against--I want to beat them. Simple. A cricket changing room is where I'm supposed to be," he added.

Ponting acknowledged that he made a lot of great memories during his IPL journey, calling coaching MI an "awesome experience." He also said that DC changing room was a "special place" even without a trophy.

"But we made a couple of big slip-ups in our mega-auction a couple of years ago [2022] and even probably our player retentions, and that set us back quite a way. And even this year [2024], little things went against us again, with Rishabh [Pant, DC captain] being suspended for a game that we had to win. We missed the playoffs on run rate. Little things like that add up. The results in T20 games are decided by really small margins. And then our season can be defined by really small margins as well. And we have been on the wrong end of those for a couple of years at DC," he added.

On the evolution of coaching in the IPL, Ponting said that coaching has become more specific now and teams are covering every base by appointing coaches for different roles.

"So you have a lot of the best coaches in the world there at once. And when you have the best coaches and the best players, you are guaranteed to have high-quality cricket. What the IPL has done by having all of these coaches is, I think, the reason that India are actually as good as they are. There has always been that talent in India, but to have that talent around the best coaches for two or three months every year has helped them become better players," he added.

Ponting said that a lot of IPL franchises are trying to have a full-time coaching staff, something he considered not doing because he would not have been available during the off-season due to other commitments and family time.

Key performers for Punjab last season included Harshal Patel, who won the Purple Cap for the second time, and the uncapped Indian players Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma.

The squad also features notable talents like left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, leg-spinner Rahul Chahar, and a strong contingent of overseas players, including England's Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow, and South African pacer Kagiso Rabada.

With the recent retirement of Shikhar Dhawan, identifying a new captain will also be a priority for Ponting and the team management.

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Monaco vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League: When And Where To Watch Live

Spanish giants Barcelona travel to the Principality to face AS Monaco in their UEFA Champions League opener at Stade Louis II. The Catalan club, last crowned Champions of Europe in 2014/15, is desperate to battle their way back into the European elite after years in the wilderness and after a strong start under new coach Hansi Flick, their hopes are rising. Flick's men have five wins from five in La Liga and have Spain's teenage Euro 2024 star Lamine Yamal playing a decisive role in their attack. However, Monaco shocked Barcelona when the two sides met last month.

Adi Hutter's Monaco were Barca's guests for their pre-season curtain raiser and scored a shock 3-0 win at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium. Monaco have also started the season on a positive note, winning three of their first four games.

When is the Monaco vs Barcelona, UEFA Champions League 2024-25 group stage match taking place?

The Monaco vs Barcelona, UEFA Champions League 2024-25 group stage match will take place on Friday, September 20 (IST).

Where will the Monaco vs Barcelona, UEFA Champions League 2024-25 group stage match be played?

The Monaco vs Barcelona, UEFA Champions League 2024-25 group stage match will be played at Stade Louis II, Monaco.

What time will the Monaco vs Barcelona, UEFA Champions League 2024-25 group stage match start?

The Monaco vs Barcelona, UEFA Champions League 2024-25 group stage match will start at 12:30 AM.

Which TV channels will live telecast the Monaco vs Barcelona, UEFA Champions League 2024-25 group stage match?

The Monaco vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League 2024-25 group stage match will be live telecast on the Sony Sports network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the Monaco vs Barcelona, UEFA Champions League 2024-25 group stage match?

The Monaco vs Barcelona, UEFA Champions League 2024-25 group stage match will be live streamed on the SonyLIV app and website.

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

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Coldplay Confirms India Tour In 2025. Details Here

British rock band Coldplay will be performing in India as a part of the Music of the Spheres World Tour in 2025. The band will reportedly perform in Mumbai. More details are awaited. However, Bookmy show unveiled a short teaser of their upcoming concert on Wednesday on its Instagram profile. The post showcases a motion image of the announcement of Coldplay's performance in Mumbai. The post drew instant reactions. A fan wrote, "Let's goo!!!" Another fan wrote, "Wohooo!" Another comment read, "Can't wait to be there with my yellows for life." Take a look:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BookMyShow.Live (@bookmyshow.live)

Coldplay previously performed in India in 2016 as a part of the Global Citizen Festival in Mumbai which also had a lineup of several other music artistes and bands. The festival was held to promote global development goals. The upcoming concert will mark Coldplay's first-ever solo performance in India. During their performance at the Global Citizen Festival in India, the band won the hearts of millions with their namaste (greeting). They hoisted the Indian flag as a part of their set.

Coldplay, as a part of the Music of the Spheres World Tour, has performed in Asia, Latin America, Europe, North America, and Australia in the last two years.

For the unversed, Coldplay is a British rock band, formed in 1997. The team members include vocalist and pianist Chris Martin, guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, drummer and percussionist Will Champion, and manager Phil Harvey. The band is known for songs like All My Love, Amazing Day, Another's Arms, Broken, Charlie Brown,  Death and All His Friends, to name a few.

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