🏏 NZ coach challenges Sooryavanshi's batting skills

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter has issued a challenge to young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi regarding his performance on bouncy pitches. This challenge comes as India is set to tour New Zealand for five T20Is in October. Although Sooryavanshi was benched for recent home games, he is believed to be part of the touring squad. Walter is keen to see how his skills translate to different conditions, especially since he has excelled in England, Australia, and South Africa. This tour marks India's third visit to New Zealand in the last seven years. 🏏

🚀 Pilot Luke Delaney heads to space with SpaceX Crew 13

Test pilot Luke Delaney is set to make his debut spaceflight as part of SpaceX’s Crew 13 mission. He will join NASA commander Jessica Watkins, Joshua Kutryk, and Sergey Teteryatnikov aboard the International Space Station. The crew is scheduled to spend approximately six months on the ISS starting on October 1st. Delaney has a background as a Marine Corps naval aviator and a research pilot at NASA's Langley Research Center. Currently in quarantine at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the team prepares for their launch near Kennedy Space Center. 🚀

🚧 Chennai peripheral road tender cancelled

The Tamil Nadu Road Development Company has cancelled the tender for Section V of the Chennai Peripheral Ring Road. This section, running from Singaperumal Koil to Poonjeri, was meant to be built on a 27-km stretch. The project is part of a larger 133.64-km dual carriageway being constructed with JICA funding worth 49,847 million Japanese Yen. This road aims to boost connectivity for southern parts of Tamil Nadu towards Ennore and Kattupalli ports. The government is now reassessing the plans for this crucial infrastructure upgrade. 🚧

🚨 Pakistan shuts down capital over Imran Khan protest

Pakistan has imposed strict lockdowns across its capital city to curb a large protest movement. The action targets supporters of Imran Khan who are demonstrating in the capital region. Authorities have reported heightened security measures since the protests escalated on May 12th. This crackdown comes amid ongoing political tensions between the government and Khan's party. The situation remains volatile, with further government actions anticipated in the coming days. 🚨

🏎️ F1 Baku action kicks off with Free Practice 1

The 2026 F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix begins with Free Practice 1 at the Baku City Circuit. Lewis Hamilton is looking to bounce back, while Kimi Antonelli aims to build towards his first drivers' championship. George Russell needs to chip away at his Mercedes teammate's lead to stay in title contention. McLaren and Red Bull are expected to battle for third-quickest overall this weekend. The competition at the front could bring some unexpected twists during the event.

📹 Shocking footage surfaces in Veeramani case

India Today has accessed video footage central to the child sexual abuse case against 84-year-old granite baron R Veeramani. Tamil Nadu Congress leader MP Ranjan Kumar initially provided this footage to police after seeing visuals resembling Veeramani. The case first surfaced in October 2025 when an NGO submitted a pen drive to Chennai Police, leading to an FIR. After an initial closure report, a POCSO Court ordered a fresh investigation, uncovering over seven minor victims. Now, a new probe is examining the rented house in Teynampet and looking into the handling of the original case. 🧐

🚀 Jessica Watkins to lead SpaceX Crew-13 to ISS

Jessica Watkins, a geologist turned astronaut, is set to command the SpaceX Crew-13 mission to the International Space Station. She will lead a four-member international crew launching from NASA and SpaceX on October 1st. This mission will be her second spaceflight, following her 2022 trip on Crew-4. Her prior work included research on Mars and serving as the first Black woman on an ISS expedition. The crew's stay is expected to last about six months, focusing on research and life support. 🛰️

💧 SC asks Karnataka to reply to TN's water plea

The Supreme Court asked Karnataka to respond to Tamil Nadu's application regarding Cauvery water shortfall. The case involves the States of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the Supreme Court. Tamil Nadu claims a shortfall of around 16 TMC, while Karnataka argues it released excess water. The court sought clarification on the exact deficit amount between the two states. The matter has been listed for further hearing in October. 💧

🌿 Cannabis might not be a de-stress button

A new study suggests that cannabis might not function as a true de-stressor for users. Researchers at Washington State University found that regular cannabis users showed similar stress levels to those given a placebo. The study involved 120 users divided into two drug dosage groups and one placebo group, conducted in New Delhi. The findings indicate that the perceived relaxation could be heavily influenced by the placebo effect, despite some initial cortisol dips. Ultimately, the research warns that common stress relief perceptions need re-evaluation for cannabis use. 🌿

🏛️ High Court questions state over arrest of Nandigram candidate

The Calcutta High Court pulled up the State regarding the arrest of a Nandigram Congress candidate in another 2007 case. This happened after the candidate, Pradhan, sought protection from criminal cases before the bypolls. Though the Court assured no further arrests on September 22, a trial court remanded him in a sixth case on September 23. The counsel argued this case was undisclosed, but the AAG countered that warrants were pending since 2021. The Court ultimately directed police not to take coercive steps in the sixth case until October 12.

💪 Akash Deep's comeback after seven months injury layoff

Akash Deep is finally making a comeback after a seven-month injury layoff following a lower-back stress fracture. He has been included in the 15-member Rest of India squad, led by Rishabh Pant, for the Irani Cup match. This match is scheduled to start from October 1 in Srinagar against the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy champions Jammu and Kashmir. Despite missing IPL 2026, he prioritizes big stage opportunities for Bengal cricket. He praises the BCCI's Centre of Excellence for helping him regain complete match fitness. 🏏