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Patna, Sep 2 (IANS) Delhi’s Vinay Kumar Yadav and Noida’s Lakshya Nagar shot scores of four-under 68 to hold the joint lead in round one of the sixth event of the PGTI NEXGEN season being played at the Patna Golf Club.

Chandigarh’s Amrit Lal carded a two-under 70 to be placed third.

The Patna Golf Estate is a par-72 nine-hole course where the nine holes are played twice to comprise a round.

Vinay Kumar Yadav made two birdies on the front-nine thanks to a couple of quality chip-putts and then went on to add two more birdies on the back-nine with courtesy another top-class chip-putt and an outstanding drive on the Par-4 14th that found the green.

Vinay, who is employed with the Indian Railways, said, “I played some solid golf today as I hit most of the fairways and greens. I made a lot of good chip-putts today. I’ve been feeling good about my putting off late and today I converted putts at crucial moments.

“I’ve played a lot of Inter-Railways events at the Patna Golf Club in the past. So, I am a little more familiar with this course as compared to many other players in this field who may be playing at this venue for the first time. That local knowledge really helped me today. Good putting will hold the key here.”

Lakshya Nagar, the joint leader along with Vinay Kumar Yadav, put together seven birdies and three bogeys during his round of 68.

Md Nawab was the highest-placed among the local professionals as he returned a 75 to be tied 16th.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 2 (IANS) The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Tuesday approved the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation's acquisition of certain share capital and voting rights of Yes Bank.

"The proposed combination relates to the acquisition of share capital and voting rights of YES Bank by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC)," the CCI said.

Earlier last month, private sector lender Yes Bank informed that the SMBC has received the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) nod to acquire 24.99 per cent stake in the bank.

This approval, which was granted by the RBI on August 22, will remain valid for a year, the private sector lender said in an exchange filing.

However, the RBI had further clarified that with the stake acquisition, the SMBC would not be treated as a promoter of the bank.

On May 9 this year, the stake purchase was first disclosed with SMBC acquiring 20 per cent in Yes Bank through a secondary transaction — including 13.19 per cent from State Bank of India and a combined 6.81 per cent from seven other banks: Axis Bank, Federal Bank, Bandhan Bank, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, IDFC First Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank.

SMBC, a Japan-based commercial bank, is a wholly-owned subsidiary and a core operating entity of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group. Yes Bank, a listed company, is a private sector bank engaged in providing a range of banking and financial services.

In a separate development, the CCI has also approved the proposed combination involving the acquisition of up to 100 per cent shareholding by Manipal Hospitals Private Limited in Sahyadri Hospitals Private Limited.

Manipal Hospitals Private Limited (Acquirer) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Manipal Health Enterprises Private Limited (MHEPL), while Sahyadri Hospitals Private Limited(Target) operates a multi-speciality hospital chain in Maharashtra, offering comprehensive tertiary and quaternary healthcare services.

The proposed combination involves the acquisition of up to 100 per cent shareholding by the acquirer in the target in multiple tranches.

--IANS

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New York, Sep 2 (IANS) Indian tennis star Yuki Bhambri opened up on the pride of representing his country at the US Open, his dreams of winning a Grand Slam, and his deep-rooted love for cricket, Bollywood, and Indian cuisine.

Yuki Bhambri and his partner Michael Venus of New Zealand advanced to the US Open 2025 tennis men's doubles pre-quarterfinals in New York on Monday. In an hour and twenty-five minutes at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre, Bhambri and Venus, seeded fourteenth, upset the unseeded Gonzalo Escobar of Colombia and Miguel Ángel Reyes-Varela of Mexico 6-1, 7-5.

Bhambri, who advanced to the next round in doubles, said stepping onto the Grand Slam stage always carries immense weight. “I've had the privilege of sharing this stage with many fellow Indians, and our nation has a rich tennis legacy with icons like Amritraj (Vijay Amritraj), Krishnan (Ramesh Krishnan), Leander (Leander Paes), Mahesh (Mahesh Bhupathi), and Rohan (Rohan Bopanna) as well. Ultimately, the biggest pressure often comes from within, as I always strive to perform at my very best whenever I step on court. It’s an honour to represent India, and I truly cherish every moment, especially here, at the US Open. I’m pleased to have advanced to the next round, and I’m eager to keep pushing and see how far we can go,” he said.

On competing at the sport’s highest level, Bhambri added: “I don't know if you fully realize the enormity, but you want to try and do the best you can. We're playing on the biggest stage of them all. Not everybody gets an opportunity to be playing at one of the Grand Slams. And I know I'm quite fortunate to be able to do this. I've done it in singles, and now I'm playing doubles here. I'm just happy to be out there playing tennis, especially with a friend of mine. It makes it a lot more fun being on the same side, playing with someone you know well. I'm happy to go out there and do my job. It makes it a lot more exciting to represent your country as well.”

Venus and Bhambri, the top-ranked men's doubles tennis player in India at world No. 32, broke their opponents twice to take a 3-0 lead and then win the first set 6-1.

In the second set, Escobar and Reyes-Varela put up a stronger fight, but Bhambri and Venus held their own, winning 7–5 to secure their place in the round of 16.

Like many players, Bhambri dreams of lifting a major trophy. “It's every person's dream when they hold a tennis racket. When you go out there, that's what you want to do. This is what you've seen on TV. My idols growing up were Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi. You see them do it. That's one of the reasons why I picked up a tennis racket, watching them win the US Open, watching them win Wimbledon. When you go out there, winning a Grand Slam is obviously a dream to accomplish. That's what all of us out there are trying to do. We're putting our best foot forward and hope one day we can achieve that,” he said.

Offering advice to young Indian players, Bhambri emphasized patience and passion. “I would probably say, work hard and have fun. Tennis is a very, very long journey. It’s not about doing everything perfectly the right away, but rather focusing on building a long career. Go out there, work hard, and enjoy the process. It’s possible to make a living and a dream out of this, and it’s a lot of fun along the way.”

Away from tennis, Bhambri admitted cricket was his first love. “I don't know any Indian who is not a cricket fan. That's one of the first sports everyone plays growing up. It was my first love as well. If it probably wasn't for tennis, I would be out there trying to bat and hit those sixes as well. I follow the Indian cricket team closely and watch every match they play. I love watching the IPL and support Mumbai in the IPL. I wish the team the best of luck, of course.”

They will next face the fourth-seeded German pair of Tim Puetz and Kevin Krawietz.

--IANS

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Agartala, Sep 2 (IANS) A legislator of the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), a coalition partner of Tripura's ruling BJP, on Tuesday alleged that he was threatened by a group of unidentified people at the MLAs' hostel on the outskirts of the state capital, leading to the police launching a probe.

A senior police official said that an intensive investigation is underway, and the police have more or less identified the three to four people who are involved in the Monday night incident.

The MLA hostel, located in the New Capital Complex, is situated near the State Secretariat, the Legislative Assembly, and the Tripura High Court.

TMP MLA Philip Kumar Reang on Tuesday claimed that three to four unidentified youths threatened him at the hostel on Monday night while he was talking with some people outside his room. He alleged that the youths were in an inebriated condition.

Reang, who was elected from the Kanchanpur assembly constituency in North Tripura, in a Facebook post, said: "New MLA Hostel is not safe for MLAs. I was threatened on Monday around 10 pm by an unknown 3-4 persons who were all drunk just in front of my room. Who should take responsibility for the security lapses ?"

A six-member MLA delegation on Tuesday met Chief Minister Manik Saha at his civil secretariat office in the New Capital Complex and urged him to ensure the security of legislators at the MLA hostel.

Minister of State for Industries and Commerce Brishaketu Debbarma and Reang were also in the delegation.

"Monday night’s incident at the MLA hostel is a life-threatening case for all legislators. The matter is very serious. The Chief Minister has assured us that he will look into the matter with utmost seriousness," Debbarma told the media after the meeting.

Terming the incident a major security lapse, Reang requested the Chief Minister to look into the issue seriously.

"These unidentified people gave me life-threatening threats. They threatened to chop off my head and said they would bring 500 people to the MLA hostel next time. These three to four persons might have come to the hostel to meet BJP MLA Promode Reang, who is also staying there," Reang told the media.

He has lodged an FIR at the New Capital Complex police station demanding appropriate action against the accused persons.

Director General of Police Anurag, accompanied by senior officials, visited the MLA hostel to assess the security arrangements there. The DGP later said there was an argument between the legislator (Philip Reang) and three/four unidentified persons at the MLA hostel on Monday night. "Police have started an investigation to identify the people who threatened the MLA. Normally, only guests of the MLAs are allowed to enter the hostel. We are looking into the incident with all seriousness,” the police chief told the media.

There are 45 rooms in the MLA hostel, of which 40 have been allotted to legislators from the BJP, the TMP, the CPI-M, and the Congress.

--IANS

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Agartala, Sep 2 (IANS) A legislator of the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), a coalition partner of Tripura's ruling BJP, on Tuesday alleged that he was threatened by a group of unidentified people at the MLAs' hostel on the outskirts of the state capital, leading to the police launching a probe.

A senior police official said that an intensive investigation is underway, and the police have more or less identified the three to four people who are involved in the Monday night incident.

The MLA hostel, located in the New Capital Complex, is situated near the State Secretariat, the Legislative Assembly, and the Tripura High Court.

TMP MLA Philip Kumar Reang on Tuesday claimed that three to four unidentified youths threatened him at the hostel on Monday night while he was talking with some people outside his room. He alleged that the youths were in an inebriated condition.

Reang, who was elected from the Kanchanpur assembly constituency in North Tripura, in a Facebook post, said: "New MLA Hostel is not safe for MLAs. I was threatened on Monday around 10 pm by an unknown 3-4 persons who were all drunk just in front of my room. Who should take responsibility for the security lapses ?"

A six-member MLA delegation on Tuesday met Chief Minister Manik Saha at his civil secretariat office in the New Capital Complex and urged him to ensure the security of legislators at the MLA hostel.

Minister of State for Industries and Commerce Brishaketu Debbarma and Reang were also in the delegation.

"Monday night’s incident at the MLA hostel is a life-threatening case for all legislators. The matter is very serious. The Chief Minister has assured us that he will look into the matter with utmost seriousness," Debbarma told the media after the meeting.

Terming the incident a major security lapse, Reang requested the Chief Minister to look into the issue seriously.

"These unidentified people gave me life-threatening threats. They threatened to chop off my head and said they would bring 500 people to the MLA hostel next time. These three to four persons might have come to the hostel to meet BJP MLA Promode Reang, who is also staying there," Reang told the media.

He has lodged an FIR at the New Capital Complex police station demanding appropriate action against the accused persons.

Director General of Police Anurag, accompanied by senior officials, visited the MLA hostel to assess the security arrangements there. The DGP later said there was an argument between the legislator (Philip Reang) and three/four unidentified persons at the MLA hostel on Monday night. "Police have started an investigation to identify the people who threatened the MLA. Normally, only guests of the MLAs are allowed to enter the hostel. We are looking into the incident with all seriousness,” the police chief told the media.

There are 45 rooms in the MLA hostel, of which 40 have been allotted to legislators from the BJP, the TMP, the CPI-M, and the Congress.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, Sep 2 (IANS) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal on Tuesday announced the flood relief centre established by the party in Jalandhar had started functioning and would serve as the nodal point for distribution of relief material to flood-affected areas in Punjab.

Giving details, the SAD President said the flood relief centre had been established at Harinder Farms and anyone desirous of seeking relief material should contact the centre staff at the following numbers -- 81958-22222 and 95012-87100.

Badal also urged the Akali cadre as well as Punjabis to liberally donate relief material for the centre.

He said all those wishing to donate material could also contact the relief centre for this purpose. He announced that the Muktsar district unit led by Kanwarjit Singh Barkandi had donated Rs 11 lakh to the centre to conduct flood-relief measures.

The Ludhiana unit, led by Parupkar Singh Ghuman, has donated three trolleys of medicine and medicines to the centre. Badal also thanked the Shiromani committee for rising to the occasion and establishing medical camps in flood-affected areas, which will be manned by the Guru Ramdas Medical University in Amritsar.

Meanwhile, following a video appeal by the people of the Balachaur constituency, who complained that the state administration was not helping them, the SAD President dispatched 1,000 litres of diesel as well as tractors and earth-moving machinery to assist in strengthening the bund at Auliapur and Dhangar villages on the Sutlej river.

SAD Nawanshahr district president Sukhdeep Singh Sukar delivered the material at the bundh site.

Meanwhile, in other relief operations, ration trucks have reached Fazilka and Dera Baba Nanak. Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal has provided 2,000 litres of diesel to strengthen the Ghaggar at vulnerable points in Mansa, besides two ration trucks, while Patiala district rural president Jagmeet Singh Hariau has donated 500 litres of diesel to strengthen the bund at Arnetu on the Ghaggar river.

Also, 40 trolleys, which had been donated by the people of Gurdaspur led by Gurbanchan Singh Babehali, and a hundred trolleys of material donated by Kamaljit Chawal and Naresh Mahajan of Deenanagar had been distributed in flood-hit areas. One truck of rations from Mohali has been dispatched to Fazilka.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Sep 2 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched its probe into the sensational alleged murder cases at Dharmasthala in Karnataka's Manguluru district and issued notices to banks in the state regarding the transactions of activists accused of receiving foreign funding to make allegations against the Dharmasthala temple management, sources confirmed on Tuesday.

The ED has written to various banks seeking transaction details for the past five years.

It has also sought information on foreign deposits, supporting documents, and details provided at the time of such deposits, according to sources.

Sources also confirmed that the account details of NGOs 'Odanadi' and 'Samvada' are being collected.

Karnataka BJP MP Kota Srinivas Poojary wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on August 19, demanding an ED probe into the foreign funding received by some individuals and YouTubers in connection with the mass grave case.

In a letter to Home Minister Shah, BJP leader Poojary said, "The conspiracy has been hatched against the Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy temple located in Mangaluru district. I request for an ED inquiry into the foreign funding of some individuals, including YouTubers, who are harming Hindu religious beliefs."

He also added, "As widely reported across the country, a group opposing the Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy temple in the Mangaluru district of Karnataka has attempted to tarnish its sanctity. The state's Deputy Chief Minister has publicly stated that a conspiracy is afoot against the Manjunatha Swamy temple."

"The Minister in-charge of Mangaluru district (Dinesh Gundu Rao) told the media that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed at the request of left-wing groups. The state's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reportedly formed an SIT based on the words of an anonymous accuser, and the entire government appears to have surrendered to this accuser," BJP leader Poojary said.

"They (Congress-led state government) are digging trenches indiscriminately, even at the base of the revered Hindu deity Bahubali, unsettling devotees. Media outlets have reported that a politician from Tamil Nadu is pressuring the Congress High command to orchestrate a plan to undermine the faith of Hindus in Karnataka," he added.

"Meanwhile, news has spread that a Muslim YouTuber and his associates, who are attempting to defame the temple, have received foreign funds, and this is how some individuals have declared war on Manjunatha Swamy temple," BJP leader Poojary alleged.

He appealed to the Congress-led state government, saying, "Therefore, I request that you consider my letter seriously and order an ED inquiry into the foreign financial assistance received by those opposing the Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy."

Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara said on Tuesday that the Congress-led government will not hand over the Dharmasthala case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

He clarified, however, that if the ED initiates its own probe into the case on funding, the state government cannot stop it.

On the issue of alleged funding to hatch a conspiracy to defame Dharmasthala, Parameshwara said, "Let the ED investigate funding if they want; we cannot object to it. They will probe financial and related aspects from their own angle."

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 2 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday inspected the flood relief camp near Geeta Colony Flyover and the Old Iron Bridge to review the Yamuna’s water level and the condition of affected areas as the river flowed near the danger mark.

She met families staying in relief camps, listened to their concerns, and assured them of all possible assistance.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the government is maintaining round-the-clock vigilance and that departments concerned are working tirelessly to mitigate the impact. She reassured citizens that there is no need to panic.

The Chief Minister spent significant time in the affected localities and received detailed briefings from officials.

She instructed authorities engaged in relief operations to ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential items such as clean drinking water, food, medical aid, and safe accommodation.

She underlined that the safety, health, and well-being of residents in flood-hit regions remain the government’s top priority.

The Chief Minister said that the situation in the capital is currently under control. She informed that the maximum water released from the Hathnikund Barrage will flow downstream from Delhi by evening.

She added that this time, departments had already made extensive preparations in advance. The desilting of the Yamuna and city drains over the past six months, she said, had already shown significant results.

All barrage gates along the Yamuna are open, ensuring no waterlogging. The river is flowing freely, with water moving downstream as swiftly as it enters. To manage the flow, most barricades on the city-side drains have been closed. Based on current data, she clarified, water levels are not expected to surpass past records.

The Chief Minister explained that water entering the Yamuna floodplains is natural, as it is the river’s designated course, and reassured that there is no risk of flooding in outer areas.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the safety of Delhi’s residents, noting that officials are submitting hourly updates.

CM Gupta assured that continuous monitoring and relief operations would remain in place for as long as the floodwaters persist.

During the day, she held telephonic conversations with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.

During the discussions, she expressed deep concern over the severe flood situation in these states.

The Chief Minister stated that the floods have caused widespread disruption of life and damage to property. Numerous families have been rendered homeless, while road and communication networks have been severely affected, leaving people to face immense difficulties.

She assured the Chief Ministers of the affected states that the Delhi Government stands firmly with them in this difficult time and extended every possible assistance.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 2 (IANS) Building ‘Bridges of Friendship’, whilst training young minds, the ships of the First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy, comprising INS Tir, INS Shardul, and CGS Sarathi, arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles, and received a grand ceremonial welcome, an official said on Tuesday.

The First Training Squadron is presently on long-range training deployment in the South West Indian Ocean Region and reached Seychelles on Monday, the official said.

The arrival at port was marked with a ceremonial welcome by the Seychelles Defence Force (SDF) band, emphasising strong maritime ties between the two nations. The Indian Navy's ceremonial Guard and Band were paraded onboard 1TS with equal solidarity.

During the visit, Senior Officer 1TS Capt Tijo K Joseph is scheduled to call on important dignitaries in the Ministry of Seychelles Govt, senior officers of SDF and the Indian High Commission, said a Defence Ministry statement.

During the port call, professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, and training interactions with SDF personnel are planned.

As part of cultural exchanges and community engagement, yoga sessions, Naval Band performances, sports fixtures, and social outreach programs are scheduled.

The deployment of 1TS to Seychelles is the third port call of Indian Navy ships to Seychelles in 2025. This highlights the Indian Navy's robust bilateral engagement and maritime partnership aligned with the broader vision of MAHASAGAR in the Indian Ocean Region.

Earlier, underscoring the growing naval engagement and maritime cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Indian Naval warships INS Tamal and INS Surat concluded their port call at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on August 30.

The ships participated in a Passage Exercise with RSNF Corvette HMS Jazan and thereafter continued with their planned deployment, said an official statement.

During the port call, the ships engaged extensively with the Royal Saudi Naval Force and Saudi Border Guard through sports fixtures and personnel interaction. The ships also hosted the Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr Suhel Ajaz Khan, on board on August 28, it said.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 2 (IANS) A prominent name in the television industry, Juhi Parmar, revealed her fond childhood memory of Ganpati. She said that she waits for Bappa eagerly every year.

During an exclusive conversation with IANS, she was asked about her childhood memories of Ganpati.

Juhi shared that she has been missing Bappa for the last seven years.

"Every year, we eagerly wait for Ganpati festival. This year, Bappa took a break from coming home, but instead, He showered me with blessings by calling me here to Parelcha Raja. If he had come home, I wouldn’t have been able to come here. It’s as if he told me, “This time you will come to my different homes to meet me," she said.

Juhi was further asked, "In today’s world, we face many challenges and problems, some of which seem unsolvable. If you had to ask Bappa for one wish, what would it be?"

To this, she replied that her only wish is that everyone should be well. "No one should be unhappy. We should understand each other, live with love, and make this short journey of life beautiful. We are not permanent here; life is just transit. So why fight for power and ego games? Why not live with love, create good memories, and leave peacefully?," she added.

Before the launch of her new show, "Kahani Har Ghar Ki" Juhi took the blessings of Bappa by visiting the Parelcha Raja.

Sharing a couple of pictures and videos from her visit to Bappa, Juhi penned a heartfelt note on her Instagram stories.

"Sought Bappa’s blessings before stepping into a new chapter. A journey that’s more than just a show. It’s a purpose, a movement, and a spark of hope. With faith and gratitude in my heart and a vision in my soul, I’m ready to walk this path, trusting that His guidance will light the way. Here’s to creating something that matters. Something that moves people. Something that lasts. ZeeTv’s Parel Cha Raja! Ganpati Bappa Morya! Kahani Har Ghar Ki starting from today every Monday to Friday 6.30 pm on ZeeTV," the 'Kumkum' actress said.

--IANS

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