Times of India

Hockey India is reviving the Hockey India League (HIL) after seven years. The league will feature eight men's teams and six women's teams. Significant investments will attract top global players. A dedicated window between December and February is set for the competition, with no other competitions in that period. The league will span ten years.

Chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu presented silk robes to Lord Venkateswara at the Tirumala temple for the 14th time, coinciding with the start of the annual Brahmotsavams. He released TTD's 2025 calendars and participated in rituals, including Pedda Sesha vahanam. The TTD and officials oversaw the smooth commencement of the nine-day festival.

Indian women's cricket team faced a 58-run defeat against New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium. Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, and Harmanpreet Kaur's early dismissals led to a dismal batting performance, chasing 161. Despite efforts in fielding and fitness, errors allowed New Zealand to capitalize and post a challenging total.

Hackers have scammed thousands using fake trade apps available on Google Play and Apple App Store, as reported by Group-IB. These fraudulent apps, part of the UniShadowTrade malware family, manipulated victims into depositing funds on fake platforms under the guise of high returns. Once removed from app stores, scammers shifted to phishing websites.

Swiggy launched its 10-minute food delivery service 'Bolt' in select cities including Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune. Partnering with over 2,700 restaurants, Bolt aims to deliver quick-to-prepare items. This follows Swiggy's preparation for its IPO, targeting a valuation up to $13 billion.

Taiwan's Ministry of Defence reported detecting 13 Chinese military aircraft and 3 naval vessels encircling the island after a short lull. Eight aircraft crossed the median line into Taiwan's air defense identification zone. This follows a pattern of increased Chinese military activities near Taiwan, involving regular air and naval incursions since September 2020.

Donald Trump urged Israel to strike Iran's nuclear facilities after a missile attack, criticizing Joe Biden's restraint. Trump advocated for an aggressive response, while Biden emphasized proportional retaliation to avoid escalating conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is evaluating potential responses, including symbolic or direct actions.

NSE and nine former senior executives, including ex-MD Vikram Limaye, settled a case with Sebi for Rs 643 crore over allegations of brokers bypassing a trading access point to facilitate faster trades. Alongside the settlement, eight officials are required to perform 14 days of pro bono community service. This is Sebi's largest settlement in its 36-year history.

Amid rising global conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, PM Narendra Modi voiced optimism about the Indian economy, highlighting decade-long transformative changes. Speaking at the Kautilya Economic Conclave, he noted global confidence in India's growth, citing upgraded projections by the World Bank, IMF, and Moody's. Modi emphasized ongoing reforms and potential investment opportunities, particularly in the green economy.

India is projected to nearly double its per capita income in the next five years, driven by government reforms, dynamic geopolitical changes, and strong growth in consumption, innovation, and a robust financial system. However, challenges such as geopolitical risks and economic impacts from new technologies remain critical.

Yasin Malik, chairman of Jammu & Kashmir Liberation Front-Yasin (JKLF-Y), declared in an affidavit that he renounced armed struggle for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue in 1994, opting for a 'Gandhian way of resistance.' Despite his claims of engaging with central government officials for dialogue, JKLF-Y remains banned for five more years.

Supreme Court declined an immediate halt to demolition of Muslim properties near Somnath temple. Gujarat govt justifies actions as lawful encroachment removal. If contempt of SC's Sept 17 order is proven, reconstruction will be ordered. Next hearing on Oct 16.

The Kerala High Court found seven IUML workers guilty of murdering DYFI activist Shibin in 2015, overturning their earlier acquittal. Shibin's death and injuries to six CPM workers were due to political and communal rivalry. Sentencing is scheduled for October 15.

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar is set to visit Pakistan for the first time in nine years to attend the SCO heads of government meeting in Islamabad on October 15-16. This visit, although bound by the SCO summit context, raises prospects of re-engaging at a high diplomatic level amid strained relations since August 2019.

Sri Lankan President Dissanayake assured India's foreign minister, S Jaishankar, that Sri Lanka will not allow its territory to threaten India's security. They emphasized the intertwined security and economic interests of both nations. Dissanayake highlighted renewable energy exports and tourism potentials. India pledged $61.5 million for port modernization and promised development assistance, including 22 locomotives for Sri Lankan railways.

In a temporary relief for Ola, Karnataka High Court stayed a single-bench order that directed the company to pay Rs 5.5 lakh penalty for failing to address a sexual harassment complaint. Ola argued that their drivers are independent contractors, not employees, potentially affecting PoSH Act applicability.

In Amethi, a Dalit schoolteacher, his wife, and two daughters were brutally murdered by Chandan Verma, who was in love with the teacher's wife, Poonam Bharti. Police claim Sunil Kumar discovered his wife's affair, prompting Chandan's vengeful attack after lodging a harassment FIR against him.

In response to China's enhanced air combat capabilities along the frontier, the Indian Air Force is upgrading its airbases and expediting the delivery of Tejas fighters. Despite technological lags, the IAF emphasizes training to maintain combat readiness, with plans to boost indigenous production and infrastructure development.

Opposition parties in Jammu and Kashmir have criticized the BJP's move to nominate five MLAs before forming the government. This would increase the legislative assembly size and potentially manipulate the majority. Congress deems this action anti-democratic and manipulative of the people's mandate.

In UP's Amethi, a govt school teacher, his wife, and their two daughters were killed by Chandan Verma, an allegedly jealous lover. Verma, who is on the run, had posted a WhatsApp status indicating his intent. The family had filed a complaint against him in August.