Top Stories

Mumbai, Sep 4 (IANS) In a bid to ensure a safe and joyful experience for devotees, Adani Electricity, the power supplier for Mumbai's Western and Eastern Suburbs, has installed over 2,571 floodlights at 167 Lord Ganesh idol immersion locations across 15 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) wards.

In addition, the company installed 80 floodlights around the Mount Mary Church in Bandra for the upcoming Mount Mary Fair from September 5 to September 14.

"Our top priority is ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted power supply for our customers and all devotees during this festive season," an Adani Electricity spokesperson said.

"Our power warriors are fully prepared with all the necessary equipment and materials and are strategically stationed across the city to manage any emergencies during the Ganesh immersion days and the Mount Mary Fair," the spokesperson added.

To facilitate a seamless experience for organisers, Adani Electricity also streamlined the process for temporary electricity connections. This will ensure that pandals receive their connections within 48 hours of submitting their applications.

This year, close to 1,000 Ganesh pandals chose Adani Electricity to power their safe and joyous celebrations.

In August, Adani Electricity made temporary electricity connections available to Ganesh pandals at a residential rate.

The initiative ensured that pandals across the city have access to reliable power during the festivities.

“Last year, we successfully provided uninterrupted power to over 986 Ganesh pandals across the city. We've made thorough preparations to expedite connection approvals and maintain a reliable power supply throughout the festival. Our dedicated Quick Response Team is strategically deployed to address any issues swiftly,” the company spokesperson said.

Earlier, Adani Electricity also collaborated with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Disaster Management Department to conduct essential electrical safety training for Ganesh Mandal volunteers across Mumbai.

The joint effort aimed to significantly improve emergency preparedness and reduce potential electrical hazards during the upcoming festivities.

--IANS

rvt/

Dubai, Sep 4 (IANS) Fast bowler Matiullah Khan and left-arm spinner Simranjeet Singh have been added to UAE’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, set to happen from September 9-28 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The rest of the UAE squad is the one which was picked for their ongoing tri-series against Pakistan and Afghanistan in Sharjah. Matiullah, who has played one ODI and five T20Is for the UAE so far, last played a 20-over game internationally against Nigeria in the Pearl of Africa Series in July this year.

On the other hand, Simranjeet, who has five ODIs and 11 T20Is so far, last played in the shortest format at the international level in December 2024, during the Gulf T20I Championship. UAE last played in the Asia Cup in 2016 in Bangladesh, when it was played in the T20I format for the first time.

UAE, coached by former India opener Lalchand Rajput, are placed in Group A alongside India, Oman and Pakistan. UAE will take on India in their opening game at the Dubai International Stadium on September 10. They will then face Oman at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium on September 15 before playing their last group game against Pakistan in Dubai on September 17.

The top two teams in each group will progress to the Super Four stage, which will commence from September 21. The top two sides from the Super Four stage will play in the title clash, to be held in Dubai on September 28.

UAE squad: Muhammad Waseem (captain), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Ethan D’ Souza, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Matiullah Khan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra (wicketkeeper), Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh and Saghir Khan.

--IANS

nr/ab

Mumbai, Sep 4 (IANS) Actor Abhishek Sharrma, who essays the role of Devansh in the television show ‘Vasudha’, has spoken up about the next big challenge that his character in the show faces, and will have to brave through.

A recently released promo of the show captures Devansh professing his love to Vasu in the most romantic way, marking a major turning point in the storyline.

Over the course of the show, Devansh has been portrayed as a loyal, ambitious, and deeply respectful young man whose life revolves around his family values. He has always been someone who carefully draws boundaries and never crosses them. However, with love now entering his life, Dev is ready to step outside his comfort zone and express his true feelings to Vasu, creating one of the most heartfelt and emotional moments of the series so far.

Talking about the change, Abhishek Sharrma told IANS, “Dev’s next big challenge will be hiding his love from his mother, as well as from Vasu’s father, Hanuman Kaku, both of whom stand firmly against their union. For Dev, maintaining a delicate balance between nurturing his relationship with Vasu and keeping it a secret from his family until the right time will not be easy”.

He further mentioned that the audience will witness Dev’s emotional journey as he slowly and steadily works to convince his mother to accept their love.

“As star-crossed lovers, Dev and Vasu will stop at nothing to be together, and Dev is determined to do everything in his power to win his mother’s approval at the same time, viewers can look forward to the couple’s heartfelt and romantic moments as they manage to keep their bond strong and their love alive without anyone discovering their secret. This mix of secrecy, passion, and determination will surely keep the audience hooked”, he added.

--IANS

aa/

New Delhi, Sep 4 (IANS) The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has confirmed that Goa will play host to India’s upcoming AFC Asian Cup Final Round Qualifier Group C home fixture against Singapore on October 14. The match will take place at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, a venue with a rich history of staging major international and domestic football encounters.

The AIFF made the announcement through its official social media channels on Thursday, underlining the importance of the clash as India look to revive their qualifying campaign. "The AFC Asian Cup Final Round Qualifier Group C match between India and Singapore on October 14 will be held at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in Fatorda, Goa," the federation stated.

This will be the second meeting between the two nations in October. The away leg is scheduled for October 9 at the National Stadium in Singapore, making it a crucial double-header that could go a long way in shaping the fate of both teams in the qualification race.

Singapore currently lead the group with a win and a draw, giving them four points from two games. India, meanwhile, sit at the bottom of the table, having managed just one point after a draw and a defeat. The Blue Tigers will need to turn things around quickly if they are to keep alive hopes of booking their spot in the continental showpiece.

The group winners will earn direct qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, which will feature 24 teams, including the host nation. For India, who have participated in the previous two editions of the tournament, the qualifiers present an opportunity to continue building their presence on the Asian stage. The Goa fixture is expected to attract strong local support, with fans hopeful that the Blue Tigers can capitalise on home advantage to spark a much-needed resurgence.

--IANS

ab/

New Delhi, Sep 4 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India and Singapore share common concerns regarding terrorism and believe that fighting it together is the duty of all nations.

He also expressed gratitude to Singapore for condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and supporting India's fight against terrorism.

Addressing a joint press conference with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, PM Modi said, "We share common concerns regarding terrorism and believe that fighting terrorism together is the duty of all humanitarian nations."

"After the Pahalgam terror attack, I thank PM Wong and the Singapore government for their empathy towards the people of India and their support in our fight against terrorism," he added.

These remarks came as PM Modi and Singaporean PM Wong met at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi to discuss ways to further strengthen the bilateral ties.

At least 26 people were killed by four heavily-armed terrorists -- linked to The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Laskhar-e-Taiba -- in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

Following this, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor against the terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Wong had taken to social media and condemned the attack.

"Shocked by the terror attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, last night. Singapore strongly condemns all acts of terrorism. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all the families of the victims and the people of India," Wong had said.

Singapore's Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan had also expressed shock over the brutal terror attack.

"Deeply saddened by the terror attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed the lives of many and injured others. Singapore strongly condemns terrorism. We stand with India at this difficult time," he had posted on X.

Wong is currently on a three-day official visit, marking a significant moment in the evolving strategic partnership between the two countries.

This is his first visit to India since assuming office, and he is accompanied by his wife and a high-level delegation including cabinet ministers and senior officials.

--IANS

sd/dpb

Mumbai Sep 4 (IANS) Television and Bhojpuri star Monalisa seems to be going through a rough patch after she lost her father on Sep 3.

The actress sharing beautiful memories of her father through pictures on her social media account penned an emotional note for him.

“Amar "PRIYO BABA" (My beloved father) The Strongest And Fun Loving... Left Us And went Heavenly Abode Yesterday... Your Eyes Were Still Alive While u Were going Baba... And I Only Want to Remember Our Happy Moments Cause You Always Wanted To Have Fun ... To Party... To Dance .. To Eat... To Drink... As Rightly Someone Told Me You Will Take care Of Me Like An "ANGEL" from The Other World Where You Must Be Resting In Peace Now …”

She expressed how she no longer would receive either any birthday or festival wishes or any grocery or food orders. “Now i won't get Any Birthday Wishes, Nor Any Occasion Wishes Which You Always Used To Send ... No Grocery Orders Which You Used To Send, No Food Orders, No Mobile Recharges Its Such A void... But I know You Won't Like Seeing Me Crying Like This... Rest In Peace "BABA" ...I Love You Forever...We Will Miss YouYour MUNNI03/09/2025”

Monalisa, who rose to fame with her stint in the Bigg Boss 10 house, was extremely close to her father and was often seen talking about him. Talking about Monalisa, the actress was originally born as Antara Biswas but chose her screen name as Monalisa just after joining the entertainment industry. She has been a part of many shows, like the supernatural show “Nazar” and “Namak Issk Ka”, and was also known for her roles in Bhojpuri films and for participating in reality shows like “Bigg Boss 10” and “Nach Baliye 8”. She was last seen in the web series “Judwaa Jaal”, where she was seen in a double role.

--IANS

rd/

Mumbai, Sep 4 (IANS) “Bollywood Wives” game Riddhima Kapoor Sahni today, on account of her father, Rishi Kapoor, today took to her social media account in remembering him on his 73rd birth anniversary.

Sharing a beautiful family picture, Riddhima captioned it as, “We celebrate you everyday Papa missed, and remembered-always. Love you… You are loved, Happy Birthday|||” Riddhima Kapoor Sahni was extremely close to her late father and Bollywood star Rishi Kapoor. Bollywood veteran Neetu Kapoor on Thursday also took to her social media account to share a fun video of Rishi Kapoor and wished him on his birth anniversary.

Kapoor shared video footage from an event, "Khullam Khulla – Live with Rishi Kapoor", that featured his brother Randhir Kapoor, son Ranbir Kapoor, daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, sister Reema Jain, filmmaker Ramesh Sippy and veteran actor Jeetendra. She captioned it as, “You will always remain in our hearts… happy birthday.”

For the uninitiated, the late actor Rishi Kapoor was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2018. He had even been to the United States of America for treatment. After a successful treatment for about a year, Kapoor returned to India a year later and maintained a healthy lifestyle and indulged in yoga sessions as well. But on 29 April 2020, Rishi Kapoor was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai owing to breathing difficulties. He passed away on 30 April 2020 due to a recurrence of leukaemia. Riddhima Kapoor was very close to her father and has always exclaimed how he played a very important role in the shaping of her life.

Talking about Riddhima, the Kapoor girl made her Bollywood OTT debut with the show “Bollywood Wives” that aired in 2024. Riddhima is married to businessman Bharat Sahni and is based out of Delhi. During her father Rishi Kapoor's demise, Riddhima could not make it to Mumbai to bid her father a final adieu because of strict COVID-19 restrictions.

--IANS

rd/

Dhaka, Sep 4 (IANS) A Bangladesh court on Thursday upheld the High Court's ruling that acquitted all 49 accused, including Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and former state minister Lutfozzaman Babar, in the August 2004 grenade attack case in Dhaka, local media reported.

The attack, which killed and injured hundreds, is considered one of the most horrific incidents of political violence in the country's history.

The verdict was announced by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court's six-member bench led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, dismissing the appeal filed by the state challenging the 2024 HC verdict.

The grenade attack on August 21, 2004, carried out during the coalition government of BNP and radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, targeted an Awami League rally led by then leader of opposition Sheikh Hasina at Bangabandhu Avenue in Dhaka.

Earlier in December 2024, the HC acquitted all 49 accused, overturning trial court verdicts that had convicted and sentenced them for the grenade attack.

The HC's December verdict sparked outrage on social media, as many expressed shock over the acquittal of all the accused, Bangladesh's leading daily bdnews24 reported.

In 2018, the trial court sentenced 19 people, including Babar, to death, while Tarique and 18 others were given life imprisonment.

Additionally, eleven police and Army personnel were handed down varying prison terms.

According to the Awami League, the attack was orchestrated under the blueprint of Tarique, son of then Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, along with war criminals and Jamaat leaders Matiur Rahman Nizami and Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid, then State Minister for Home Affairs Babar, BNP leader and former Deputy Minister Abdus Salam Pintu, militant leader Mufti Hannan, and other anti-Liberation reactionary groups.

The party mentioned that during the attack, several military grade grenades were hurled at its rally, in which 24 leaders and activists of the Awami League and its associate bodies were killed, and more than 500 were permanently crippled.

The party alleged that the aim was to assassinate the Awami League President Hasina, and to "destroy" Bangladesh's independence, democracy, and the "spirit" of the 1971 Liberation War.

Highlighting that more than 500 leaders, activists, and journalists from print and electronic media were injured by a grenade splinter, the party stated that several injured Awami League leaders, activists, and supporters still endure unbearable suffering from those injuries.

--IANS

int/scor/sd/

New Delhi, Sep 4 (IANS) Bangladesh T20I skipper Litton Kumar Das said his side is well prepared for the upcoming Asia Cup, scheduled to begin in the UAE on September 9, after completing a 2-0 T20I series win over the Netherlands.

It also marked Bangladesh’s third consecutive T20I series win after previous victories over Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Before taking on the Netherlands, Bangladesh held a fitness camp in Dhaka, followed by a skill-based camp in Sylhet.

"I believe we are well prepared for the Asia Cup. I said from the very beginning that the camp we did was not just for this series. It was also to make sure we are ready for the series (Asia Cup) ahead."

“Overall, I felt everything was positive. Whoever got the chance to play a match played good cricket. Only Saifuddin couldn't do anything. Everyone else got the opportunity to play at least one match."

"I think practice is important, but even more important is how much you can deliver in matches. Playing matches will improve you, increase your game sense," Litton was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz on Thursday.

He also praised the quality of the preparation in Sylhet. "I have never seen such a good camp. Fitness can be done in Mirpur as well, but the kind of practice we wanted to do was only possible in Sylhet. So I feel, overall, this journey was really good for us."

Looking ahead to the Asia Cup, Litton said the strong top-order form was a good sign. "Of course, it would have been better if more batters had got a chance, but the important thing is we won convincingly in the first two games. That's a good sign heading into a big event.”

“The fact that not all our batters needed to bat shows how well the top order was doing. In the Asia Cup, there will come a day when everyone has to bat, and that's fine but right now it shows we're in a good place,” he added.

Bangladesh will open their 2025 Men’s T20 Asia Cup campaign against Hong Kong at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 11.

--IANS

nr/ab

New Delhi, Sep 4 (IANS) Calling the reforms made in the Goods and Services Tax (GST), truly next-gen in nature, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Thursday said that it will bring down the healthcare costs and lead towards a fit and healthy Bharat.

The decision taken by the GST Council, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on Wednesday rationalised the indirect tax structure, cutting the current four slabs down to two -- scrapping the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates, while retaining the 5 per cent and 18 per cent slabs.

As per the revision, life-saving drugs, health-related products, and some medical devices will see a rate cut from 12 per cent/18 per cent to 5 per cent or nil.

The changes in GST rates on services will be implemented from September 22.

"Historic GST reforms under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi Ji mark a giant step towards affordable healthcare for all," Nadda shared in a post on the social media platform X.

He highlighted that "essential drugs and devices will have 5 per cent/Nil GST. Health and life insurance is exempted from GST. Cheaper spectacles and diabetic foods. This is a true next-gen GST for a healthy India".

Further, GST has also been reduced for medicines, medical devices, and diagnostics. Gyms and wellness services made affordable points out that "preventive health is priority -- towards a Fit & Healthy Bharat", Nadda said.

These next-gen GST reforms will support ongoing growth and development, he said.

On zero GST on life-saving drugs, including cancer and rare disease treatment, the Health Minister stated that the "reforms reaffirm our government’s commitment to the poor and middle class".

"Reduced tax rates on several essential products will enhance ease of living, help families manage costs, and bring relief to different sectors," he said.

Beyond boosting health services, Nadda said that these reforms will also "strengthen the ease of doing business and empower small businesses across the country".

"PM Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of Ease of Living shines in GST rationalisation," he said.

--IANS

rvt/dpb