"Can't Excuse": Ponting's Slams Australia Batters After Meltdown vs Bangladesh

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has hit out at the hosts' batters following a dismal day one performance against Bangladesh in the ongoing first Test, adding that their early season rustiness meant they were outplayed and outwitted by the visitors' bowling line-up. Australia were bowled out for a paltry 198 after opting to bat first, with Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahmud tearing through the lineup with figures of 6-55. Now with Bangladesh's lead crossing 150, it meant the focus is back on Australia's shoddy batting performance, where barring Steve Smith (71), no one made a notable contribution.

"There was a lot of early-season rustiness, they haven't played for a long time, but you can't excuse some of the technical issues and flaws we saw from the top order in particular. I was surprised Australia actually chose to bat, especially with Bangladesh coming off just 54 in the warm-up game.

“The Australian seamers on that wicket yesterday morning would have been near-on unplayable. A few eyebrows raised when Australia did decide to bat. But when you win the toss and decide to bat everyone is expecting a few more than 190 against an attack like that," Ponting said on SEN's Fireball.

Calling out the national selectors for being hesitant to transition towards youngsters, Ponting pointed out that Australia have fielded their oldest Test side since 1928, with all-rounder Cameron Green (27) being the sole under-30 player.

"I still feel like they missed an opportunity in these couple of games to look at some younger talent that we've got in Australia. I know the Sheffield Shield numbers aren't outstanding for our young batters, but I think we might have to look a bit deeper than just what the numbers suggest.

“Go with a bit of gut-feel and pick on talent because what we've got in the current side now - and it has been for a couple of years - has not looked up to the mark of Test cricket level. It (change) is going to happen.

“They've got 21 Tests coming up until the end of the World Test Championship (WTC) - they're at home to New Zealand, they're away to South Africa, they're away to India. Inevitably they'll be going through 16-18 players in this next little run. So I think organically it will start to happen where guys will be coming in and out just to try and manage them through until the end of it," he noted.

Addressing whether a potential defeat to Bangladesh would force structural changes, Ponting stated, "You would like to think so. This group has been so tight. I don't know if they're scared of making change, or deep down they know that there might not be anything better that's waiting underneath.

“It's been at least 12 months where they have had the opportunity to make changes, especially with the batting group. They have a lot of work to do, there's a long way to go in this game, and right now I'm not sure what the odds suggest. I still think Australia should still be favourites even though yesterday went as badly as it did.

“They'll get a chance to bat on the wicket when it's at it's absolute best. That's when we'll see if these guys are actually up to it, because if they're not up to it in the second innings then maybe it is time to have a look at someone else."

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

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Welcome's Anil Kapoor And Nana Patekar To Reunite For Zombie Comedy: Report

Fans may soon get another chance to see Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar together, after missing them in Welcome to the Jungle. The two actors, known for playing Uday and Majnu in the Welcome universe, are reportedly in talks for a new zombie comedy.

The film, produced by Firoz Nadiadwala and directed by Ahmed Khan, is in the pre-production stage, while Tiger Shroff has already been chosen to play the lead role.

According to reports, Firoz wants Anil and Nana to play two characters whose fun chemistry will remind viewers of Uday and Majnu. Interestingly, both actors are also interested in the project.

It's a two-character role, which has the potential to become the new-age Uday and Majnu, Bollywood Hungama reported. Both Anil and Nana are excited to embark on this journey with Firoz Nadiadwala. The film is presently in the writing stage, the report stated.

Reports suggest that the makers are expected to begin shooting in early 2027. The makers are planning a start-to-finish shooting schedule. 

Details about the film's title, official plot, other actors, and their characters are under wraps.

Before Firoz Nadiadwala's zombie comedy, Anil Kapoor has several projects lined up, including Shah Rukh Khan's King and Dragon, which stars Jr NTR.

Nana Patekar is set to appear in Laxman Utekar's biographical musical drama Eetha. The film stars Shraddha Kapoor as the famous Lavani and Tamasha performer Vithabai Narayangaonkar.

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India's Injury Crisis Puts Gambhir Under Spotlight: "Coach, Captain Decided"

The Indian team is going through one of its worst injury crises in recent times. The likes of Jasprit Bumrah and B Sai Sudharsan were ruled out for the 2-match Test series against Sri Lanka, while there's no confirmation on the return of Washington Sundar for the second match. The BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) has also had to face heat for releasing unfit players for the national team, especially Bumrah. However, former India batter S Badrinath doesn't think the blame lies with the CoE and its head VVS Laxman.

For Badrinath, the majority of the blame should go to head coach Gautam Gambhir, captain Shubman Gill and selectors, whose eagerness to draft Bumrah and others into the team led to this situation.

"I don't know who made the decision. CoE will not make the selection, right? They will just say he is in this state and can play these matches and his body is in this state. But I think the captain, coach, and selectors are taking the decision. CoE only passes the information. They are not selectors," Badrinath said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Badrinath also didn't mince his words over the repeated injury issues involving Sundar. He said that fitness is not the all-rounder's forte, urging him to seriously work on himself if he intends to prolong his career and remain a consistent player for the national team.

"I don't have an immediate answer to the root cause of so many injuries. It is important to see what kind of injuries these are. At high-level professional sport, injuries are common. Sai Sudharsan got hit by a ball, with Bumrah, it is a chronic injury because of being overused and fitness is not Sundar's forte, he is injury-prone. His fitness needs a lot of work. Management and monitoring is very important. Injuries are bound to happen and you cannot control it," added Badrinath.

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Google Pixel 11 vs iPhone 17: Price in India and Full Specifications Compared

Google Pixel 11 has been launched in India, and the new Pixel smartphone competes directly with Apple's iPhone 17, which was unveiled in September last year. The Google Pixel 11 sports a 6.3-inch (1,080 x 2,424 pixels) OLED Actua display, with up to a 120Hz refresh rate, while the iPhone 17 is equipped with a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. The Google Pixel 11 is equipped with the latest Google Tensor G6 chipset. On the other hand, the iPhone 17 is powered by the A19 chipset, featuring a 16-core Neural Engine.

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'I'm Bengal's Boy': Jeet Reveals The One Condition For A Hindi Film Bet

Bengali superstar Jeet is one of those rare Hindi-speaking Bengali actors who has made a mark in the Hindi industry with his OTT debut Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, released on Netflix last year. 

He also took on the giant task of releasing a Bengali film simultaneously in Hindi three years ago when Chengiz released. In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, Jeet shared whether he would invest in Hindi in the coming years and why he thinks in Hindi first.

'Learnt Bengali Through Environment'

Last year, during promotions of Khakee, Jeet had said that he thinks in Hindi first as Hindi is his mother tongue.

Asked if his public acknowledgement of thinking in Hindi might disappoint his Bengali audience, Jeet tells NDTV, "My thinking language has been Hindi. I am still saying that. It's a fact. I studied in Hindi. I learnt Bengali through the environment. Nobody has reacted to that statement. And I believe how I conduct myself through my work, shows or whatever I do, if that's connecting with the audience, people will remember that. My thinking language won't bother anyone, I guess."

"I was born and brought up in Kolkata. I am Bengal's boy. Nobody can deny that. And some people also say that I speak Bengali better than born Bengalis. So, I take that as a compliment," adds Jeet.

'I Can Invest In Hindi If There's Potential'

Back in 2023, Jeet took a giant leap when he released Chengiz simultaneously in Bengali and Hindi to take Bengali films pan-India. Reports say Jeet's production house, Jeetz Filmworks, incurred losses for undertaking the task.

Asked if he was ready to face the consequence of taking the risk, Jeet tells us, "Making profits and losses is part and parcel of any business. The risks in the film business are enormously high. It's not a surprising fact that the chances of profit making in this business hover between 7-10%, no matter whether you make films in Hindi or in vernacular languages."

"Having said that, if I see a material has potential for the Hindi market and deserves to be released nationally, I can," Jeet adds.

But Jeet also said that the trend of releasing regional films in Hindi has gone down.

"You should also understand the fact that there was a huge spike in releasing regional films in Hindi after the Baahubali craze. But it has now come down. Besides two or three films, most of the films haven't made any connection with the audience. So the trend is going down," adds Jeet.

Jeet's new film Keu Bole Biplobi Keu Bole Dakat (Some Say Revolutionary, Some Say Dacoit), directed by Pathikrit Basu, is inspired by the life of Ananta Singh, a freedom fighter and close associate of revolutionary Masterda Surya Sen.

Set against the backdrop of 1960s Kolkata, the film also touches upon the public perception of Ananta Singh being called a 'dacoit' for his daring robberies. Jeet plays the titular character and pulled off nine different looks for the film.

Apart from Jeet, Keu Bole Biplobi Keu Bole Dakat also stars Priyanka Sarkar, Tota Roy Chowdhury, Rajatabha Dutta and Debopriyo Mukherjee.

The film releases in theatres on August 14.

Also Read | 'When You Play Around With Power, Creativity Takes Backseat': Jeet On Bengali Actors Joining Politics

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Vishal On Why Vijay Succeeded In Politics Where Other Actors Failed

Vishal, known for his performances in films like Irumbu Thirai and Mark Antony, recently opened up about his experience of meeting Vijay after he took on the role of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. 

“Vijay is the same when I met him recently. I didn't take a bouquet. I usually never buy bouquets. He's the same, only the posting has changed,” Vishal said in an interview with Honest Townhall. 

Vishal also shared his perspective on why Vijay's entry into politics gained momentum, unlike the political ventures of several other actors before him. Vishal said, "It's not just actors. Actors with mass appeal have tried this before. There are so many other examples we have left out who have been failures. Sivaji Ganesan started a party. Legendary filmmaker Bhagyaraj started a party. We have examples all over the industry. Amitabh Bachchan could have started a party. Mithun Chakraborty is so famous, he could have been the face of West Bengal." 

He added, “It's a calling. If someone has entrusted their faith in Vijay, it's not just because he is an actor turned politician. It's because they wanted a change, badly, literally very badly. And it is also a connectivity factor. He was different in the way he was talking. That is what maybe the first-time voters and everyone decided to go for the change, because there is nothing else they see."

Vishal pointed out a particular moment from Vijay's 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election campaign that he believes played a key role in strengthening the actor-turned-politician's position as a prime candidate. 

“His last-day speech before the closing of the campaign nailed it. He said, go tell your parents and your grandparents and every elder in your house, please tell them to vote for me once. That really created a massive impact. I've seen a judge come on record saying that he voted because his granddaughter told him to vote for TVK. There have been instances like that,” he recalled.

On the work front, Vishal is set to make his directorial debut in the upcoming film Magudam. It releases in theatres on August 14. 

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"Was Supposed To Be India Head Coach, Could Not Take Up" The Role: VVS Laxman

Former Indian batter and BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman revealed that he was offered the role of Team India head coach back in 2023, but could not take it up for personal reasons and decided to continue as the head of the CoE and contribute to its development as it got a new facility of its own in Bengaluru. Amid concerns over the recent spate of injuries, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia met Laxman on Sunday to review the rehabilitation and injury-management programme at the facility. Saikia also attended the press conference along with Laxman, BCCI president Mithun Manhas and other senior officials.

Speaking during the presser, he said, "The reason why I extended (as the head of CoE): In 2023, I was supposed to become the head coach. Because of personal reasons, I was not able to take that up. I went and spoke to Jay (Shah) twice. He understood my reasons. Because of what Jay and the BCCI have given me, the freedom to execute my vision, it continues with Devajit and other office-bearers."

"I extended for two years, and I committed to the BCCI that here I am not taking up the head coach position, but I will make sure that I establish the CoE, I establish the structure, the processes and the protocols, before I move on," he added.

In September 2024, the BCCI's Centre of Excellence was inaugurated by then BCCI secretary Jay Shah, replacing the old facility operating at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium under the name of the National Cricket Academy.

Spanning over 40 acres, this facility is designed to become the epicentre for nurturing cricketing talent and advancing sports science in India. The Centre of Excellence features three grounds and 86 pitches, including both indoor and outdoor areas, showcasing its capacity to provide comprehensive training facilities.

In late 2021, Laxman took over from Rahul Dravid as the head of the CoE, with the latter becoming the Team India head coach. Laxman has been the head of the facility since then and, during his tenure, the CoE expanded into a full-fledged facility of its own.

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

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Pak Cricketers Return From Unsanctioned Zambia League, Face 2-Year PCB Ban

A group of former Pakistan cricketers have returned from Zambia after featuring in an unsanctioned Twenty20 league, where they reportedly failed to receive full payment and now face a two-year ban from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The players went to Lusaka in order to take part in the Asian Legends League, a tournament that was promoted last month and which included among its featured names former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez, wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal and all-rounder Sohail Tanvir. Although Ambati Rayudu from India was originally going to take part in the league, he withdrew from Zambia without playing after finding out that the tournament had not been sanctioned.

The Lusaka T20 League, which included teams like Asian Stars, Pakistan Panthers, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, was set to start on August 2.

A source close to the players stated that Hafeez, Akmal, Tanvir and Zahid Mahmood had asked for information regarding the tournament after finding out that it had not been sanctioned by the Zambia Cricket Union (ZCU).

The source said that players such as Hafeez, Akmal, Tanvir and Zahid Mahmood inquired about the league and, after finding out that it had not been sanctioned by the Zambia Cricket Union (ZCU), and that the ZCU had issued a statement making it clear that the league received no sanction, approval or endorsement, some players, including India's Ambati Rayudu, decided to leave without taking part.

It is reported that several international players and their support staff were left stranded in Lusaka as they attempted to sort out their unpaid travel arrangements, and this has also resulted in demands for "a joint investigation involving multiple cricket boards".

Imran Nazir, Taufeeq Umar, Yasir Shah, Hasan Raza, Rahat Ali, Mohammad Irfan, Yasir Butt, Ibrar Hussain and Rana Anwar were among the former Pakistan players who took part in some matches.

The tournament was suddenly halted as a result of the ZCU's intervention. The report also stated that the organisers had not been able to finalise a broadcast deal.

After noticing that former Pakistan players had taken part in the Asian Legends League, the PCB announced a two-year ban, as it was discovered that the players had not secured the necessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the board.

A player acknowledged that it had been a mistake to take part in the tournament and said that the group had been misled by agents.

The player told Telecom Asia Network, on the condition of anonymity, that he had been misled by agents who had told him the league was approved by the ZCU and that he would receive a good amount of money. However, he suffered embarrassment as the hotel would not let him check into a room because of non-payment and he then faced further difficulties at the airport.

The player stated that the cricketers had returned without receiving the financial rewards they had hoped for and were now facing a serious punishment.

"The situation is a blow for all the players since they had gone there in order to earn some good money, which they haven't obtained, but what they have received instead is a severe punishment from the Pakistan Cricket Board," the player said.

Sources state that the affected players intend to approach Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the PCB, and ask for clemency on the grounds that cricket is still their main source of income and that a two-year ban could have serious financial repercussions.

Akmal has also publicly supported his teammates and asked the PCB to review the punishment.

Akmal stated on social media that players from other countries such as India, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan took part in the event and have not been banned, and that the PCB should reconsider this penalty since the players' livelihoods depend on cricket.

The controversy comes at a time when the International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed concern about the rapid increase in T20 franchise leagues worldwide. To supervise the development of T20 franchise cricket and ensure better coordination with the international cricket schedule, the ICC established a special Franchise Leagues Committee at its annual conference.

Tamim Iqbal, the former Bangladesh captain, has been named chairman of the committee.

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

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Cupid Q1 Results: Profit Nearly Triples As Margin Widens; Revenue Up 2.6x

Cupid Ltd. reported a sharp jump in its June-quarter earnings, with consolidated net profit surging nearly 200% year-on-year as stronger operating margin and a more than 2.6-fold increase in revenue boosted profitability.

The company's consolidated net profit rose to Rs 44.1 crore in the quarter ended June, compared with Rs 15 crore in the corresponding period last year, according to an exchange filing on Friday.

Revenue from operations surged to Rs 154.7 crore from Rs 59.8 crore, reflecting robust business momentum and strong execution during the quarter.

ALSO READ: Titan Q1 Results: Profit Soars 63% To Beat Estimates; Revenue Tops Rs 21,300 Crore

Operating performance improved even faster than revenue. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation climbed to Rs 60.1 crore, up from Rs 16.5 crore a year ago. The Ebitda margin expanded to 38.8% from 27.5%, indicating better operating leverage and an improved product mix.

Cupid's June-quarter performance comes amid sustained demand across its business segments, with revenue increasing more than 2.5 times from the year-ago period. The pace of earnings growth exceeded revenue expansion, reflecting the benefits of scale and stronger margins.

Investors will closely watch the company's management commentary on order inflows, export demand, capacity utilisation and growth outlook for the rest of the financial year to assess whether the strong momentum can be sustained in the coming quarters.

ALSO READ: Q1 Results Live Updates: Oil India Profit Surges 73%; Kaynes Tech Revenue Rises 41%

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Flipkart Freedom Sale: Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Deal Teased Ahead of Sale

Flipkart's Freedom Sale will kick off later this week. The Independence Day-themed special sale will offer exclusive early access to Flipkart Plus and VIP members and will have discounts on popular smartphones from leading brands. Samsung's Galaxy S25 FE is confirmed to be available at a discounted price during the sale. This Fan Edition smartphone runs on an Exynos 2400 processor and features a triple rear-camera setup headlined by a 50-megapixel primary sensor. The vanilla Galaxy S25 will also be discounted in the sale. 

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Confirmed to Get Discount During Flipkart Freedom Sale

Flipkart's dedicated microsite for the Freedom Sale reveals that the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE will be available at Rs. 47,999 during the sale. Interested users can buy the handset with EMI offers starting at Rs. 8,333 per month. The discounted price tag includes both flat discounts and bank-based offers.

Photo Credit: Flipkart

 

The Galaxy S25 FE is currently listed on Flipkart for Rs. 54,999 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. The 256GB and 512GB storage variants with the same amount of RAM were priced at Rs. 65,999 and Rs. 77,999, respectively. The handset was launched in India last year with a starting price tag of Rs. 59,999.

Similarly, during the Flipkart Freedom Sale, the Samsung Galaxy S25 is confirmed to be offered for a starting price of Rs. 57,999, instead of the actual price of Rs. 74,999. EMI offers start at Rs. 9,999.

The Flipkart Freedom Sale is set to begin on August 8, and the Plus and Flipkart Black members will get 24 hours' early access to the sale starting August 7. During the sale, buyers can avail of a 10 percent instant discount on payments made via SBI credit cards. Buyers will get no-cost EMI offers and exchange discounts during the sale. The end date of the sale is still under wraps.

The Galaxy S25 FE features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection. It has an Armour Aluminium frame and offers an IP68-rated build. It runs on an Exynos 2400 processor and flaunts a triple rear-camera setup led by a 50-megapixel primary sensor. It has a 4,900 mAh battery with support for 45W wired and 15W wireless charging.

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Crypto Wrench Attack Losses Surpass $30 Million in 2026, Says Chainalysis

Crypto-related physical attacks, known as wrench attacks, have resulted in more than $30 million (roughly Rs. 286 crore) in stolen assets during the first half of 2026, according to Chainalysis. The blockchain analytics firm recorded 46 violent incidents involving kidnappings, home invasions and hostage situations, putting the year on track to surpass 2025's record losses. The report also highlighted growing concerns over data leaks and privacy risks that expose crypto holders to targeted attacks.

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Mafia: The Old Country's Man of Honor Expansion Gets Gameplay Reveal

Mafia: The Old Country's Man of Honor expansion was revealed at Summer Game Fest in June. Publisher 2K and Developer Hangar 13 have now revealed the first look at gameplay from the story DLC, sharing details on new content, added challenges, activities, and more. Mafia: The Old Country - Man of Honor comes out August 14 on PC and consoles.

The Man of Honor expansion will feature two new story chapters and new content for Mafia: The Old Country's Free Ride mode, which was added as part of a free update last year. The story chapters will expand the journey of Enzo Favara, the game's protagonist, as he joins the Torrisi crime family in Sicily.

Man of Honor Expansion Details

As Enzo, players will team up with mafioso Ennio Salieri to settle old scores, Hangar 13 design director Josh Zammit said in a PlayStation Blog post. The developer is keeping details about the story chapters under wraps, but a post on the Mafia website says the expansion will explore a previously unseen period in Enzo's early days as a soldato.

Users who purchase the Man of Honor expansion will be able to play the new story chapters as part of the main campaign or access them directly if they've progressed far enough in the story.

Hangar 13 detailed the new jobs and challenges that will be added to Mafia: The Old Country's Free Ride mode as part of the expansion. Players will be handed new assignments by Salieri, which are promised to be more difficult than the challenges from the base game.

New mission types in the Free Ride mode include tracking down targets, finding hidden caches of loot, towing high-value vehicles, and delivering stolen trucks. Salieri's challenges added as part of the expansion include standoffs, assassinations, circuit races, and road sprints.

Additionally, the expansion will bring new outfits, charms, weapons, vehicles, and horses that players can add to their collection. Man of Honor also adds new collectibles and optional activities. Some of these include collectible Wanted Posters and Stunt Jumps.

Mafia: The Old Country - Man of Honor arrives on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X on August 14. The expansion requires the base game and is currently available to wishlist on Steam and Xbox storefronts.

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Telegram Removed From Apple's iOS App Store Worldwide: Reports; Users Share Screenshots

Telegram has unexpectedly disappeared from Apple's App Store search results worldwide, leaving users unable to find or download the messaging app on iPhones and iPads. The removal has also resulted in "Page Not Found" errors on Telegram's official App Store listing.

As of now, neither Apple nor Telegram has issued an official statement explaining the app's disappearance, and Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has not commented on the incident.

It remains unclear whether the app was removed due to a technical issue or a policy-related action.

A Similar Incident in 2018

This is not the first time Telegram has been removed from Apple's App Store. In February 2018, Apple temporarily delisted both Telegram and its experimental Telegram X app after identifying inappropriate and illicit content circulating through public channels.

According to BitPinas, Apple reportedly required Telegram to strengthen its content moderation systems, permanently ban offending accounts, and address policy violations before restoring both apps within 24 hours.

ALSO READ: WhatsApp Down? Scores Of Users Unable To Share Videos, Images Via App

Impact on Apple Users

The current removal does not affect existing Telegram accounts, but it does create several limitations for Apple users. Those who already have Telegram installed can continue using the app, but they are advised not to uninstall it, as it cannot currently be re-downloaded from the App Store, as per BitPinas.

BREAKING: @telegram REMOVED FROM IOS APP STORES pic.twitter.com/998CP55DVK

— DEGEN NEWS (@DegenerateNews) August 4, 2026

Users setting up a new iPhone or iPad are also unable to install the official Telegram app. In addition, iOS updates, bug fixes, performance improvements, and security patches are temporarily unavailable until the listing is restored.

I'm sorry what??

Telegram was just removed from the Apple App Store worldwide pic.twitter.com/2aR8ep3nK4

— Jeremy (@Jeremybtc) August 4, 2026

However, Telegram's web version, desktop applications for Windows and macOS, and the Android app continue to function normally.

@Telegram has disappeared from the App Store for all iOS users

— plug.ton (@plugontele) August 4, 2026

Meanwhile, users are complaining on social media, sharing screenshots and expressing confusion over Telegram's sudden disappearance from the App Store.

Telegram has now been removed from the Apple App Store worldwide. pic.twitter.com/BBZRP2fcHF

— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) August 4, 2026

About Telegram

Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging platform known for its speed, security, and synchronisation across multiple devices. With more than 1 billion active users, it ranks among the world's five most-downloaded messaging applications. 

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England Football Body Joins Revolt Against Infantino Amid Major Controversy

The English Football Association (FA) is set to withdraw its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, deepening the crisis surrounding the governing body's abandoned plan to sell minority stakes in its competitions to private investors. This development occurs because UEFA has threatened to take legal action in response to the controversial proposal, and the Football Association of Wales has already officially withdrawn its support for Infantino's re-election bid as FIFA president. Infantino's position has recently come in for greater criticism since FIFA has suggested setting up a commercial subsidiary, the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), in order to handle its main events, including the FIFA World Cup, and at the same time have outside investors buy minor, non-controlling shares.

As reported by The Telegraph, UEFA has issued a legal notice to Infantino, informing him that it is currently considering taking legal action, bringing an arbitration case, and filing regulatory complaints regarding the FFE proposal.

The European governing body has also told FIFA to keep all relevant documents, such as emails, WhatsApp messages, meeting notes and any other communications connected with the investment plan.

The situation worsened when it was revealed that Infantino had written to the 211 member associations of FIFA committing to provide as much as $40 million in funding for the ones in favour of the proposal, including an initial payment of $20 million which was due by the deadline of 19 September.

The American venture capital firm Thrive Eternal, which was founded by Joshua Kushner, was expected to head the proposed group of investors before FIFA gave up on the plan due to increasing opposition.

Mark Palios, who used to be the chief executive of the English FA, referred to UEFA's threat of taking legal action as "a very clear call for action" regarding what he described as "an abysmal governance process".

In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, he stated that football required greater accountability and called for a change in FIFA's leadership to avoid similar scandals in the future.

Even though the opposition is still growing throughout Europe, Infantino still has the support of a number of member associations, such as Qatar, Lebanon, Kuwait and Sri Lanka. Although the Asian Football Confederation has shown its solidarity with UEFA and Concacaf, the African, South American and Oceanian confederations have up to now refrained from publicly criticising the FIFA president.

If Infantino is to stay in office until March, he will be eligible to run for a fourth and final term as FIFA president, which will require 106 votes from the 211 member associations for re-election.

UEFA is also considering the option of forcing an emergency meeting of the FIFA Council, a move which would need the support of 19 of the organisation's 37 members. Should such a meeting take place, it could in principle call for Infantino to resign, even though it is acknowledged that support from outside Europe and Concacaf will be necessary if the challenge is to succeed.

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

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Lock Upp 2: Harshad Becomes 1st Finalist After Shivangi's Emotional Sacrifice

The latest episode of Lock Upp 2 delivered an emotional rollercoaster, complete with heartfelt sacrifices, unexpected confessions, and a shocking elimination twist that left both the contestants and viewers stunned.

The episode began with a major task that would decide the season's first finalist. Contestants were asked to unanimously choose one person to move a step closer to the finale.

Right at the start, Shreya Kalra secured a special advantage in the game. Meanwhile, Yogesh made a surprising move by choosing to keep Rs 10 lakh for himself. Interestingly, he did not have to leave the show to claim the cash reward and continued his journey inside Lock Upp 2.

As the game progressed, Laila, Shilpa Shinde, Ram Kapoor and Akanksha Chamola voluntarily stepped out of the race, leaving only Shivangi Joshi and Harshad Chopda inside the cell. 

Harshad's Confession Leaves Shivangi In Tears

With the final decision resting between the two, Harshad made a confession that completely changed the mood inside the jail. He admitted that he had deliberately lost the previous challenge.

"I did lose that game," Harshad told Shivangi.

His revelation left Shivangi emotional as she struggled to understand why he had willingly given up an earlier opportunity. T

Shivangi then said that if winning Lock Upp 2 was truly written in her destiny, she would eventually lift the trophy. Both contestants initially insisted that the other deserved to stay and even offered to walk out of the cell themselves.

However, Harshad later stood by his decision to remain, explaining that he had not yet received a chance to play for himself. After Riteish Deshmukh asked them to make the final call, Shivangi chose to step out, officially making Harshad Chopda the first finalist of Lock Upp 2.

A Shocking Elimination 

Just when it seemed the emotional drama had ended, the episode served up another surprise.

Riteish Deshmukh revealed that the advantage Shreya Kalra won came with immense power. She was given the authority to eliminate one contestant from the show.

After hearing appeals from the contestants, Shreya made her decision and chose to eliminate Shivangi Joshi. The announcement left everyone inside the jail visibly shocked.

Whether Shivangi has actually exited the competition or whether another twist awaits is something viewers will have to find out in the upcoming episode.

Lock Upp 2 streams every day except Friday at 8 pm on Netflix.

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Lock Upp 2: Varun Yadav Breaks Down After Huma-Farah Slam Him

Lock Upp 2 witnessed one of its most emotional moments yet after a heated argument over gender equality took an unexpected turn. What began as a contentious debate inside the jail soon led to strong reactions from host Farah Khan and special guest Huma Qureshi. They called out contestant Varun Yadav aka Laila and his friend Aarush Bhola for making alleged sexist remarks against Pamala Serena's friend, Lailli Mirza.

During the Judgment Day episode, Farah questioned Laila about Aarush's entry. "Varun, jab Aarush ghar ke andar aaya, the first thing he said... ye word hai use karne ka? [Varun, when Aarush came inside the house, the first thing he said was... This is the word to use?] she asked. To which Laila replied, "Us waqt dimaag nahi chal raha tha. [My mind wasn't working at that moment.]"

Huma immediately cut him off, referring to his defence that it was Delhi slang. "Main bhi Delhi se hoon aur mujhe pata hai hum kaise baat karte hain, theek hai? [I'm from Delhi too, and I know how we talk, okay?]" she said. Criticising him further, Huma added, "Tu apni thodi soch badha mere dost. [Broaden your mindset a little, my friend.]"

Moments later, an emotional Laila got up from his seat, walked away from the group and broke down in tears.

Laila Got Emotional ???????????????? #VarunYadav #Laila #LockUpp2 pic.twitter.com/eJ8Lp9r13y

— ???????????????? ???????????????????????? ???????????????????? (@AarushXLaila) July 31, 2026

The argument began after Pamala accused Laila of being "sexist" and targeting women in the game. She also called out Aarush Bhola for allegedly using the derogatory phrase "chu chu chu" for her friend, Lailli Mirza.  Defending himself and Aarush, Laila said the words were never meant to offend and were just part of how they speak.

During the heated exchange, Pamala also revealed Laila's secret, claiming he had sold newspapers to support his family during a financial crisis. Laila added that he also took tuition classes and did other jobs during that time. He said very few people, including his family and close friends, knew about this phase of his life.

Lock Upp Season 2 is currently in its final stretch and nearing its finale. New episodes are streaming daily on Netflix ahead of the scheduled grand finale on August 8.

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Bumper Dividend: ABB India Declares Rs 90/Share Payout Even As Profit Stays Soft

ABB India Ltd. has declared a bumper special dividend of Rs 90 per share with face value of Rs 2 each, after posting a modest uptick in its net profit for the second quarter of the calendar year 2026. 

"This is to inform you that the Board of Directors of the Company at its Meeting held on July 31, 2026, declared a special dividend of Rs.90/- per share (Rupees Ninety only) i.e.(4500%) on 21,19,08,375 equity shares of face value of Rs.2/- each fully paid up for the financial year 2026," the company stated in an exchange filing. 

Further, ABB India has set Friday, August 7, 2026 as the record date to determine the eligible shareholders for the dividend payout. The dividend will be paid to the eligible shareholders on or before August 29, 2026, the company informed. 

ABB India reported a 3% year-on-year rise in net profit to Rs 362 crore from Rs 352 crore for the second quarter of calendar year 2026.

Revenue increased 21% to Rs 3,559 crore from Rs 2,940 crore, while Ebitda rose 11.4% to Rs 447 crore from Rs 401 crore. The company's Ebitda margin narrowed to 12.6% from 13.6% a year earlier.

ALSO READ: Swiggy, Eternal Shares Soar Up To 23% In July As Zepto IPO Hits Hurdle: Buy, Sell Or Hold?

ABB India Q2 CY2026 (YoY)

• Net profit up 3% to Rs 362 crore from Rs 352 crore
• Revenue up 21% to Rs 3,559 crore from Rs 2,940 crore
• Ebitda up 11.4% to Rs 447 crore from Rs 401 crore
• Margin down 100 basis points to 12.6% from 13.6%

ABB India Share Price

ABB India's stock settled 0.10% lower at Rs 7,284.50 apiece on the NSE on Friday. This compared to a 0.27% advance in the benchmark Nifty index on the last trading day of July. 

The stock has surged 40.9% year-to-date and 32.21% in the last 12 months.  

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Tukaram Mundhe Impact: Bombay HC Canteen Temporarily Shut After FDA Inspection

The Bombay High Court canteen has been temporarily shut down following an inspection by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on July 30, NDTV reported. All food and beverage operations on the premises have been suspended until further notice.

In a formal communication, the Bombay Bar Association (BBA) stated that dining services provided through its primary canteen and independent coffee vendor will remain closed to lawyers, litigants, and court visitors for the time being.

However, the Association clarified that the decision to halt operations was taken voluntarily as a precautionary measure. The BBA emphasized that it has not received any adverse communication, show-cause notice, or formal order from the state food regulator following the inspection.

ALSO READ: Setback For FDA's Tukaram Mundhe Amid Raids; 29 Employees Complain To Minister - What We Know

The Bombay Bar Association, according to the Indian Express, published a notice earlier in the day that stated: "Members are hereby informed that service of food and/or beverages in the BBA premises (through the canteen and coffee vendor) is temporarily discontinued until further intimation." 

“We voluntarily shut it down,” Nitin Thakker, senior advocate and president of the Bombay Bar Association, told the publication.

ALSO READ: Mumbai's Parsi Dairy Farm Reopens After FDA Lifts Licence Suspension Over Food Safety Violations

The FDA was ordered to inspect all government and semi-government eating establishments, including canteens at Mantralaya, the state secretariat, and the High Court, and to submit the status of the inspections along with video recordings after the High Court questioned the agency on Wednesday regarding what it described as selective food-safety inspections of restaurants and hotels.

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Sooryavanshi Handed Leadership Role, Named Vice-Captain In This Tournament

Indian cricket team young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was named vice-captain of East Zone for the 2026 Duleep Trophy. Wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan was appointed captain with the squad comprising of seasoned veterans like Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, Abhimanyu Easwaran and Shahbaz Ahmed. Sooryavanshi made his senior team debut during the series against England and although he did not have a good outing, he made up for it in the series against Zimbabwe where he slammed two half-centuries. India went on to win all three matches in the series.

Kishan enters the tournament after a strong performance in India's recent white-ball series against Zimbabwe. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter delivered several aggressive innings at the top of the order, giving India quick starts. His recent form and leadership experience made him the top choice to lead the East Zone side.

All eyes will be on 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is rising quickly in Indian cricket after a breakthrough season. The young player recently stood out during India's series against Zimbabwe, showing impressive calm against international bowling while maintaining the strong form he has shown over the past year.

The batting unit also includes Sudip Kumar Gharami, Virat Singh, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Subhranshu Senapati, Denish Das, and Shikhar Mohan. Kumar Kushagra will serve as another wicketkeeping option.

Shami brings valuable experience to the bowling attack as he returns to domestic cricket. He will be backed by Mukesh Kumar and Abhijit Sarkar, with Shahbaz Ahmed and Anukul Roy likely to play important all-round roles.

East Zone squad: Ishan Kishan (captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (vice-captain), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sudip Kumar Gharami, Shahbaz Ahmed, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, Kumar Kushagra, Shikhar Mohan, Anukul Roy, Virat Singh, Subhranshu Senapati, Denish Das and Abhijit Sarkar.

Stand-by: Ayush Loharuka, Sridam Paul, Sambit S. Baral, Sharandeep Singh, Swastik Samal

(With IANS inputs)

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BCCI Decides To Not Renew 2 India Coaches' Contracts After England Series

Winds of change are sweeping through Indian cricket. After the tours of Ireland and England, where India lost two T20I series and an ODI series, the BCCI was expected to conduct a review. It has now been confirmed that the BCCI will not renew the contracts of assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate and fielding coach T Dilip. The development was shared by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. "Assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeshchate's two-year contract with Indian men's team ended on June 10. Fielding coach T Dilip, who was given a one-year extension after his original term ended, also had his contract ending on June 8," BCCI secretary Saikia told PTI in an exclusive interaction.

"The BCCI continued with the duo till the end of India's tour of United Kingdom. However, the BCCI is not giving them any extension. There is no question of accepting resignation as the contract has ended," the secretary cleared the air.

A few reports have claimed that Subhodeep Ghosh will be the new Indian fielding coach. However, Saikia said: "BCCI is in talks with two or three candidates to finalise the new fielding coach for the Indian men's team."

Assam's Ghosh, who has been in the system for last six to seven years since the time of Rahul Dravid at the NCA, is the favourite right now.

It must be mentioned that Ten Doeschate intended to leave as when he was brought on board on Gautam Gambhir's insistence, he was promised fielding coach's job but was given no specific role in last two years.

In case of Dilip, his extension for one year before the 2025 Test series in England was on insistence of a senior superstar but no one was happy with his performance. It would have been a miracle had he been given any further extension after poor show during the recent white ball tour of UK.

More updates to follow...

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Gujarat Breaks Own Record, 9 Athletes Earn India Call-Up For Asian Games 2026

Gujarat has scripted a new chapter in Indian sports, with a record nine athletes and one reserve player earning selection to represent India at the 20th Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4. The achievement marks a remarkable rise for the state, which had only three representatives at the 2014 Asian Games. Twelve years later, Gujarat has tripled that number, underlining its emergence as one of India's fastest-growing sporting hubs Calling it a proud moment for the state, Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said the achievement reflects the long-term investments made in sports development.

"Former Chief Minister and now Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid a strong foundation for sports in Gujarat through initiatives such as Khel Mahakumbh and the Shaktidoot Yojana. The results of those efforts are now visible. Gujarat is steadily emerging as a global sports powerhouse," Sanghavi said.

The state's sporting success is being credited to sustained investments in grassroots development and athlete support over the past decade. Initiatives introduced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, including the Shaktidoot Yojana and Khel Mahakumbh, created pathways for identifying and nurturing sporting talent across the state.

The current government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has continued to strengthen that ecosystem through enhanced infrastructure, athlete support programmes and high-performance training.

Highlighting the state's sporting ambitions, Harsh Sanghavi said Gujarat is focused on building a world-class sporting culture.

"Our goal is not just to train athletes but to build an entire ecosystem that enables them to excel on the international stage and bring glory to the nation," he said.

He also noted that Gujarat is preparing on a war footing to develop world-class sports infrastructure ahead of hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

Over the past decade, Gujarat has consistently increased its representation at the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, reflecting the state's steady transformation into a multi-sport powerhouse.

With a record-breaking contingent set to compete in Japan, all eyes will now be on Gujarat's athletes as they look to make their mark on one of Asia's biggest sporting stages. The nine selected athletes represent a wide range of disciplines, highlighting Gujarat's growing contribution to Indian sport beyond its traditional cricketing identity. The contingent comprises a blend of experienced international performers and promising young talent.

The selected athletes are:

Elavenil Valarivan - Shooting

Harmeet Desai - Table Tennis

Manav Thakkar - Table Tennis

Manush Shah - Table Tennis

Aniket Patel - Soft Tennis

Aryan Nehra - Swimming

Ankita Raina - Tennis

Vaidehi Chaudhari - Tennis

Devyani Zala - Athletics (Sprint)

Meanwhile, Jil Desai has been named as a reserve player in tennis.

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

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"Goal Is Gold": Judoka Harsh Aims To Script CWG History In 1st Attempt

Indian judoka Harsh Tokas is aiming to script history at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, with the 81kg competitor setting his sights on becoming the first Indian to win a judo gold at the Games. The 23-year-old, who will be making his Commonwealth Games debut, said he has left no stone unturned in his preparations and is looking forward to competing on one of the biggest stages of his career. "The preparation is going really well. It has been at a next-level intensity for the past 2-3 months. I have given it my absolute 100% effort. This is the first time I've played at this level; it's going to be a unique experience. I am competing in the 81kg category. As for the challenges, I'll only find out the specifics once I'm there, but the plan is to play freely. The goal is definitely gold. No one from our country has ever won gold in this event at the Commonwealth Games, so bringing back gold would create history and be a wonderful achievement for the nation," Tokas told ANI.

Tokas has risen through India's age-group judo system after making his mark on the Asian circuit. He won a bronze medal at the 2018 Macau Cadets Asian Cup before recording a top-eight finish at the Asian Cadet Championships later that year. He also finished among the top five at the 2019 Asia-Oceania Cadet Championships.

Having progressed into the senior 81kg category, Tokas secured his place in India's Commonwealth Games squad through the national selection process and will be part of a six-member men's judo team competing in Glasgow.

India heads into the Games looking to secure its first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medal in judo. The country's best performance in the sport came at the 2014 Glasgow Games, where Indian judokas claimed four medals, including two silver and two bronze.

The Indian judo team will depart for Glasgow on July 27, with competition beginning on July 31 at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC).

India's original 14-member judo contingent has been reduced to 12 athletes following the withdrawal of men's 73kg judoka Arun Kumar after a positive out-of-competition anti-doping test and Birmingham 2022 silver medallist Tulika Maan due to a provisional suspension over whereabouts failures.

Despite the setbacks, Tokas remains one of India's promising medal hopefuls as he prepares for his maiden Commonwealth Games appearance with the ambition of creating history.

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

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Indian Epee Fencers Make History, Record Best-Ever Performance In World C'ships

Indian fencing achieved its best-ever performance on the global stage as Epee fencers Taniksha Khatri and Prachi Lohan concluded their individual campaigns at the Senior World Fencing Championships 2026 in Hong Kong. Both athletes became the first Indian women's Epee fencers to qualify for the Main Table of 64 (Direct Elimination Round) at a Senior World Championships, competing in a field of over 180 athletes at the Asia World Expo. In the final standings for Women's Individual Epee, Taniksha Khatri placed 43rd overall, registering India's highest-ever individual rank in the event at a Senior World Championships.

Her teammate Prachi Lohan finished 58th, giving India two fencers in the top 60. Rounding out the Indian squad in the same event, Yashkeerat Kaur Hayer ranked 143rd, and Mitva Jesangbhai Chaudhari ranked 150th.

Expressing his support for the athletes, Rajeev Mehta, Secretary General of the Fencing Confederation of Asia and the Fencing Association of India, said: "I am immensely proud and delighted to witness this historic achievement by Taniksha Khatri and Prachi Lohan.

Their qualification for the Main Table of 64 at the Senior World Fencing Championships is a landmark moment for Indian fencing and reflects their exceptional talent, dedication, and perseverance. This remarkable feat is a testament to the growing standard of Indian fencing and will inspire many young athletes to excel on the international stage. I congratulate both fencers, their coaches, and the entire support team on this memorable success."

In the Men's Individual Foil event, Sachin finished as the top Indian fencer in 107th place, followed by Aditya at 137th, Sanasam Hemash Singh at 143rd, and Tejas Manoj Patil at 149th.

The tournament continues on Sunday, with the final stages of the Women's Individual Epee and Men's Individual Foil events, before transitioning into the team competitions.

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

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DCB Bank Q1: Profit Jumps 36% To Rs 213 Crore As Asset Quality Improves, Provisions Fall

DCB Bank Ltd. reported a 35.5% year-on-year rise in first-quarter net profit as lower provisions and improving asset quality offset pressure on margins.

The private lender posted a net profit of Rs 213 crore for the quarter ended June 30, compared with Rs 157 crore a year earlier, according to an exchange filing on Friday.

Net interest income rose 17.7% to Rs 684 crore from Rs 581 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. Asset quality improved sequentially, with the gross non-performing asset ratio easing to 2.43% from 2.45% at the end of March, while the net NPA ratio declined to 0.84% from 0.89%.

ALSO READ: DCB Bank Q4 Results: Net Profit Jumps 16% To Rs 206 Crore; Dividend Declared

Provisions more than halved to Rs 57 crore from Rs 115 crore a year ago and fell from Rs 69 crore in the preceding quarter, supporting earnings growth.

The bank said advances grew 17% year-on-year, while deposits increased 20%, reflecting continued business momentum. Capital adequacy remained healthy at 17.03% under Basel III norms as of June 30.

"The growth momentum over the year on both deposits and advances continue to be strong. There has been marked improvement on most levers of profitability, resulting in 36% increase in profit after tax, compared to previous year," Managing Director and CEO Praveen Kutty said in the company's press release.

ALSO READ: Q1 Results Live Updates: DCB Bank Profit Jumps Over 35%, SBI Life Profit Up 22%; Bank of Baroda In Focus

Kutty added that lower credit costs and improving portfolio quality helped the bank deliver its highest-ever quarterly profit for the fourth consecutive quarter, alongside an improvement in return on equity.

DCB Bank Q1 FY27

• Net profit up 35.5% to Rs 213 crore from Rs 157 crore YoY
• Net interest income (NII) up 17.7% to Rs 684 crore from Rs 581 crore YoY
• Gross NPA improved to 2.43% from 2.45% QoQ
• Net NPA improved to 0.84% from 0.89% QoQ
• Provisions down to Rs 57 crore from Rs 115 crore YoY
• Provisions down to Rs 57 crore from Rs 69 crore QoQ

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"Karan Kundrra Kissed Me, Then Slapped Me": Yeh Kahan Aa Gaye Hum Co-Star

Actor Saanvi Talwar has spoken about one of the most controversial incidents from her television career, revisiting her experience of working with Karan Kundra and sharing her version of events years after the controversy made headlines.

In an interview with Telly Masala, the actress alleged that Karan Kundra had shown interest in her and also recalled an on-set incident that, according to her, left her deeply shaken.

"He Was Interested In Me, Not Me In Him"

Addressing long-standing speculation about their equation, Saanvi claimed that it was Karan Kundra who was interested in her.

"He was interested in me, not me in him," Saanvi said.

She also revealed that certain scenes during the shoot made her uncomfortable.  According to the actress, a bathroom scene was particularly difficult for her, prompting her to seek help instead of staying silent.

Saanvi said she approached Karan Kundra's then-girlfriend, Anusha Dandekar, and spoke to her about how she was feeling.

"After this, Anusha started coming to the set and keeping an eye on things herself."

Saanvi Opens Up About The Alleged Slap Incident

Saanvi also revisited the alleged slap incident, which became a major talking point at the time.

Recalling the sequence of events, she said a kissing scene between her and Karan Kundra was being filmed when he allegedly kissed her before the director had called for the shot.

She said, "I was very depressed. Then one day we had a kissing scene between Karan and me, and Karan kissed me before the director's cue. So, that was a wrong move, wasn't it? When the director didn't say anything like 'we have to do it now,' how did you do that? So, I slapped him (Karan)."

The actress further alleged that Karan later returned and slapped her in front of the crew.

"After that, he left. Then he came back 10-15 minutes later and slapped me so hard in front of everyone. A girl's hand... a boy's hand is much heavier than a girl's hand. And he slapped me so hard that I fell to the ground, and there wasn't a single person there... not from the crew, not from the direction team, not a single person supported me in any way."

"I Thought I Don't Want To Work Anymore"

Speaking about the aftermath of the incident, Saanvi said she felt devastated and decided to leave the set.

She shared, "At that time, he abused me; he abused my parents, and at that time I took my car and went to my home, and I thought I don't want to work anymore."

The actress also claimed that producer Ekta Kapoor later reached out to her and apologised on Karan Kundra's behalf.

She added, "After that, Ekta Ma'am apologised to me on Karan's behalf; I received a message from her. She then personally called me to her office, where we had a one-on-one conversation, and I respect Ekta Ma'am a lot. She told me that whatever you want will happen, but the show must go on."

Saanvi further claimed that the director of the show was replaced following the incident.

Karan Kundra has not publicly responded to Saanvi Talwar's latest claims yet. 
 

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Q1 Results Updates: Waaree Renewables Profit Up 34%; NTPC Green Profit Rises 38%

Q1 Results Today Live Updates: Hello and welcome to NDTV Profit's live coverage of Q1 earnings on July 22, 2026! Stay tuned to our live blog as we bring you all major updates on April-June quarter earnings for the current fiscal (Q1FY27) and company announcements throughout the day. Several majors such as Adani Green, BPCL, IndusInd Bank, Dr Reddy's, JSW Energy, Nestlé India and others are in focus today as the companies will reveal their Q1 scorecards.

At least 60+ companies are scheduled to report their earnings on Tuesday. Following the results, companies will hold earnings calls with investors and analysts to discuss their performance and future plans. Watch this space for all the action from India Inc earnings reports.

Stay tuned to NDTV Profit for all back-to-back live updates of Q1 Results and company announcements on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

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Christopher Nolan Says "Buy A Ticket" As He Hints At Horror Film After Odyssey

Christopher Nolan has sparked fresh excitement among his fans, hinting at a horror film being on the cards. The Academy Award winner, whose latest release The Odyssey is making waves at the box office, and working on the film has only made him more interested in exploring horror.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the director was asked if audiences could finally stop asking him to make a horror film, considering The Odyssey includes several dark and unsettling moments. Responding with a laugh, he said, “I was going to say that. They don't need to beg me to tell a horror story anymore. Just buy a ticket.” 

While The Odyssey may have touched on horror, Nolan made it clear that it had not ended his interest in the genre. In fact, the experience pushed him closer to it. 

“It very much whets my appetite for more. But I've always believed that horror as a genre has to be approached very carefully from a conceptual point of view. In other words, you have to have an amazing idea.”

For Christopher Nolan, a horror film is not about technical tricks or visual effects. He feels the story always comes first. Explaining what inspires him, he referred to Brian De Palma's Obsession.

“When you go see a film like Obsession, that's an amazing idea. That movie works like a mo********er. It's not about the technical side. It's not about what technical itches I would have to scratch. It's about a story. So I'm always looking.”

Apart from its action and mythical world, The Odyssey also explores the idea of Zeus' law, often linked to the Golden Rule of treating others the way you want to be treated.

Sharing his thoughts, the director said, “The fact that we have mutual respect is what, to some extent, defines civilization. I don't think that's something that can be entirely imposed by, for example, a religious framework. I think it has to be innate in us for that to be as prevalent and as effective as it has been over thousands of years.”

Based on Homer's ancient Greek epic poem, The Odyssey stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, who faces a dangerous journey home after the Trojan War. The film also features Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong'o, Elliot Page, and Travis Scott.

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Akshaye Owned 2025 With Dhurandhar, But 2026 Belongs To Naseeruddin Shah

That veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah is a masterclass of acting need not be said. It certainly need not be reiterated as the ace actor turns 76 and is better at his craft than ever.

What's interesting recently is how incredible talents from the '80s and '90s have found their second innings in the cinematic landscape extremely rewarding. Old gen, new crowds - they are all there to praise stellar performances. And Naseeruddin Shah has had a swell 2026 so far.

He is being applauded for his performances in Imtiaz Ali's Main Vaapas Aaunga and Made In India: A Titan Story on OTT, both of which have highlighted that he's owning the year with less showsha and more work.

This invariably reminds us of another actor who had an equally fruitful 2025, all while remaining in the shadows of overflowing fan love.

Akshaye Khanna.

Not that we are comparing the two actors - they weren't of the same generation to begin with. While Naseeruddin Shah rose up the ladder in the '70s and '80s, Akshaye Khanna began his journey in the '90s.

But the common thread between the two vastly different and availed actors is the renewed recognition they have received within a year. And it indeed is commendable.

Naseeruddin Shah - The Moment

Imtiaz Ali's Main Vaapas Aaunga has been a classic example of how you flip the table, becoming a sleeper hit.

Sharvari and Vedang Raina were impressive, but Naseeruddin Shah (Ishwar Grewal), who plays the older version of Vedang Raina's character - Keenu - stole hearts and triggered a meltdown of sorts. He delivered a convincing portrayal of a 95-year-old partition survivor losing his memory as he is haunted by hallucinations due to Alzheimer's and dementia.

All he wishes is to keep his promises: to return to his ancestral home and his lost love in Pakistan, from whom he was estranged when communal violence gripped the nation on the brink of independence.

The heart-wrenching pain and emotional depth that an actor of Naseeruddin Shah's calibre captured have received thunderous applause from far and wide, across age groups. At one point he was so immersive that he embodied the lingering longing of Ishar Grewal, his onscreen soul, completely.

Main Vaapas Aaunga came right after his massively acclaimed OTT series, released just a week after Made in India: A Titan Story. He played legendary Tata Group leader JRD Tata in the latter, the tale of how the visionary established Titan Watches.

Naseeruddin Shah's grace and strong screen presence blended effortlessly with the dignity and gentle manner expected of someone playing a character as formidable as JRD Tata. That left critics impressed, and they duly expressed it.

Naseeruddin Shah was the sun, and June its brimming rays. With the first half of 2026 behind us, it's safe to say the veteran actor led with true-blue main-character energy.

And this makes us want to revisit a similar success story from 2025, when Akshaye Khanna was critics' and audiences' favourite.

Akshaye Khanna - The Moment That Was

Akshaye Khanna had his OTT film Ikka released earlier this month, headlining with Sunny Deol and directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra. While fans were excited to see him again after the Dhurandhar craze he unleashed as the menacing crime lord Rehman Dakait, it still doesn't match the frenzy that enveloped him in 2025.

Akshaye Khanna literally started and ended 2025 with a bang. He began with Laxman Utekar's Chhava and ended with Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar; what's more, he played villains in both.

In Chhaava he was the ruthless Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who challenged Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and led to his merciless death. Rather than adopting a loud approach to antagonism, Akshaye Khanna brought a chilling restraint. He was cold, heartless, and could compel anyone to hate him - and he did. That's just an example of how terrific he was.

He underwent an intense transformation that impressed the masses: long grey hair, a heavy beard, kohl-rimmed eyes and hours of prosthetics were all part of the process.

And he carried the same determination into Dhurandhar.

Aditya Dhar's spy film had an ensemble cast, with Ranveer Singh headlining alongside Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan and Rakesh Bedi as irreplaceable additions. But Akshaye Khanna, as the powerful crime kingpin, stole the limelight - and how!

From his dance moves to his flip-and-flaunt flair, to his cold stare, to a brawl with Ranveer Singh and a climatic fall at the end of Dhurandhar Part 1, Akshaye Khanna became the internet's sweetheart.

The internet was in love with Akshaye Khanna, and while he remained as reclusive as ever, far from the uproar of fan frenzy, 2025 ended on the note that Akshaye Khanna had nailed it.

If we compare, Naseeruddin Shah and Akshaye Khanna's journeys in 2026 and 2025 respectively, they do have dissimilarities. Akshaye Khanna's soaring success and recognition were visible in roaring box-office numbers; Naseeruddin Shah's time in the sun came as critical acclaim, rampant social-media appreciation and glowing reviews.

Both are killing it in their own styles, just like their diverse filmographies.

Either way, it's an excellent time to enjoy cinema, with actors from different generations and with distinct skill sets giving viewers performances worth watching.

ALSO READ | Anupam Kher Says He And Naseeruddin Shah Hugged And Moved On After 'Clown' Remark Resurfaces

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Maharashtra Extends Hotel, Restaurant Timings Till 4 AM For FIFA World Cup 2026 Final

Football fans across Maharashtra will be able to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at restaurants, cafés and hotels without worrying about closing hours after the state government granted a one-time extension of operating hours until 4:00 AM on Monday, July 20.

The relaxation, issued by the Maharashtra Home Department under Section 33 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, follows a request from the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), Mumbai, seeking permission for hospitality establishments to remain open for live screenings of the tournament finale.

The order applies to licensed eateries, hotels and restaurants across the state and is valid only for the FIFA World Cup final.

ALSO READ | Argentina Vs Spain: Kerala Declares Holiday For Schools, Colleges On July 20 Over FIFA World Cup Final

According to the government order, establishments must deploy adequate private security personnel inside and outside their premises and ensure that the extended operating hours do not lead to any law-and-order issues or public nuisance.

The order also bars illegal activities, obscene acts, loud music or any behaviour that could inconvenience the public. Restaurant managements will be responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and conditions.

The Maharashtra government said all existing rules governing licensed establishments will continue to remain in force. Any violation of the law or breach of public peace could invite legal action, including withdrawal of the relaxation.

The order further authorises District Magistrates and Police Commissioners to impose additional restrictions or revoke the extended timings depending on local law-and-order requirements and prevailing conditions.

The decision comes after the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), Mumbai, in a letter dated July 19, requested permission for restaurants, hotels and eateries to remain open beyond their usual closing hours so fans could watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.

ALSO READ | Spain vs Argentina Live Streaming: Likely Lineups, How To Watch FIFA World Cup Final On TV, Online?

According to media reports, Delhi, Telangana, Karnataka (Bengaluru) and Assam have also extended the operating hours of restaurants, cafés and bars to facilitate live screenings of the FIFA World Cup final.

PTI reported that Kerala has declared a holiday on Monday for all schools, colleges and higher educational institutions to allow students to watch the FIFA World Cup final. The decision was taken after the state government received requests from students, many of whom wanted to stay up to watch Sunday's late-night final between Argentina and Spain.

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Ahead Of WC Final vs Spain, Scaloni's Praise For Messi Takes Internet By Storm

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni urged fans to make the most of seeing Lionel Messi lead his team out in another World Cup final at the age of 39 as the holders aim to retain the trophy when they take on Spain this weekend. "He has made history. He is a legend," Scaloni said of the former Barcelona player, who has already helped Argentina win a World Cup and back-to-back Copa America titles in the last five years. Messi's international career has enjoyed a remarkable late renaissance -- a decade ago he briefly retired from the Argentina team at the age of 29 after a Copa America final loss to Chile, his fourth defeat in a final for his country.

Messi and Scaloni hugged on the pitch at full-time after Wednesday's 2-1 semi-final win over England, with the Argentine captain calling that victory "pure history".

"It fills me with pride because he is the best player in the history of football," Scaloni said of Messi, who has scored eight goals at this World Cup, which is his sixth, and is the tournament's all-time top scorer with 21.

"To have been able to get to a final in the way that he has in this moment, at the age of 39, I think it is incredible.

"That is why I said we should enjoy having him, because look at what happened with Diego (Maradona) and how we ended up missing him.

"We still have Leo and we should appreciate that. He is the historic figure and the legend, as are all these players who have given us these marvellous years."

Argentina had gone 28 years without winning a major international title before lifting the Copa America in 2021 to spark this current golden era.

"They have done things that a few years ago were unthinkable. It was not easy to get here and to compete at this level over so many years," he said ahead of Sunday's final at the MetLife Stadium just outside New York City.

"We might win and I hope we do but in any case the journey to get this far has been incredible."

Scaloni said he could not answer whether the game would definitely be Messi's last at a World Cup, but it seems highly unlikely he will continue until the next one in 2030.

Argentina will have to beat the reigning European champions if they are to become the first nation in 64 years to win back-to-back World Cups.

"They are a great team. Everything worries me about them," Scaloni said.

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

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BCCI Rubbishes Speculation About Rohit, Says He Will Continue To Play After Lords ODI

The BCCI on Friday rubbished speculation about Rohit Sharma's future, stating he will continue to play for India after the series-deciding third and final ODI against England at Lord's on Sunday.

Speculation has been rife that the Lord's ODI on Sunday could be Rohit's last international match, but BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed any such suggestion.

"There are lot of speculations going on in media about Rohit Sharma's future. I want to firmly assert that there has been no such discussion that Rohit will be playing his last match at Lord's on Sunday," Saikia told PTI in an exclusive interaction.

"Rohit is a regular member of the Indian ODI team and he will continue to represent the country as long as he is in the scheme of things. In other words, Lord's ODI wont be his last match."

Despite Rohit's publicly stated desire to play until the 2027 ODI World Cup, his modest returns in the first two matches of the series -- scores of 11 and 26 -- have fuelled the debate.

The three-match ODI series is tied 1-1.

ALSO READ: 'Players Like Rohit Deserve Respect': Ravichandran Ashwin Slams BCCI Selectors Amid Hitman-Retirement Buzz

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

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Bellingham Argues With Messi, Then Almost Comes To Blows With Argentina Star

Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham were the two central characters in the England vs Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final clash. Much of their teams' chances depended on the duo. It was no surprise when the two had a brief argument over a contentious decision by the referee. Shortly after the match started, Leandro Paredes went in late on Jude Bellingham, and Enzo Fernandez did likewise to Elliot Anderson soon after. The England camp felt it warranted a card, but the referee disagreed. It was at this point that Messi argued with Bellingham. Argentina ultimately won the match 2-1 and entered the final.

I agree that Tuchel was at fault.

But whatever tf Bellingham said to Messi here was also a factor…. pic.twitter.com/gmdrYgA1PB

— Castro1021 (@Castro1021) July 15, 2026

After the match was over, Bellingham went and fought with Valentin Barco, who played last season at Strasbourg in France's Ligue .

Jude Bellingham attacks Colo Barco for no reason. pic.twitter.com/hHRedke0kc

— All About Argentina (@AlbicelesteTalk) July 15, 2026

Lionel Messi sent in the cross that sent Argentina to the World Cup final after another improbable comeback.

Trailing 1-0 going into the final five minutes of regulation time, Messi delivered a pinpoint ball to substitute Lautaro Martinez in the second minute of injury time to give the defending champions a 2-1 victory over England on Wednesday.

Messi also provided the assist for Enzo Fernandez's equalising goal in the 85th minute.

At the end of another exhausting match - another match in which Argentina were stretched to the final minutes - Messi dropped to his knees in celebration.

Argentina, who will play Spain in the final on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, are now one game away from becoming the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

Anthony Gordon had given England the lead in the 55th minute, but the team's other chances failed to find the back of the net.

Fernandez scored the equaliser with a long-range effort as Argentina pressed desperately for a goal, and Martinez headed in the winner with time running out.

Argentina had to come through yet another tough match at this year's expanded 48-team tournament after surviving scares against Cape Verde and Egypt.

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England vs Argentina Free Live Telecast, FIFA WC Semi-Final Live Streaming

England vs Argentina Free Live Telecast, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final Live Streaming | When And Where To Watch: England and Argentina made key changes for their World Cup semifinal in Atlanta on Wednesday. England coach Thomas Tuchel called in Morgan Rogers in place of Noni Madueke on the right wing and also handed starts to Reece James and Djed Spence in defense. Ezri Konsa and Nico O'Reilly were benched. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni made just one change, picking Gio Simeone in midfield ahead of Rodrigo De Paul. (England vs Argentina Live Updates, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final Live)

When will the England vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final be played?

The England vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final will be played on Wednesday (Thursday IST, July 16).

Where will the England vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final match be played?

The England vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final match will be played in Atlanta.

What time will the England vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final match start?

The England vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final will start at 12:30 AM IST (Thursday).

Which TV channels will telecast the England vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final for free?

The England vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final match will be telecast live on the Unite8 SPorts. Free telecast will also be there on DD Sports (DD Free Dish)

Stakes are high

Defending champions Argentina are all set to take on England for a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final.

Who will join Spain in the summit clash? #FIFAWorldCup2026 #ARGvENG @FIFAWorldCup @FIFAcom pic.twitter.com/1LmEzS9dVX

— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) July 15, 2026

Where to follow the live streaming of the England vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final match?

The England vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final match will be streamed live on Zee5 app.

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

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Gadkari's Next Big Promise: 'Going To Bring A Bus That Flies In The Air'

In a major push towards futuristic transportation, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday said India is planning to introduce a "flying bus" to transform urban mobility.

Speaking at an event in Lucknow, Gadkari said the proposed flying bus is part of the government's broader vision to modernise India's transport ecosystem by embracing cutting-edge technologies.

"Now I am going to bring a bus that flies in the air," the minister said, signalling the Centre's push towards futuristic modes of public transport.

While Gadkari did not disclose a timeline or technical details of the project, the announcement aligns with the government's growing focus on sustainable and innovative mobility solutions. 

ALSO READ : Gadkari Urges Stronger BRICS Cooperation To Build Future-Ready Transport Systems

India has been encouraging the development of electric vehicles, alternative fuels, ropeways, cable cars and urban air mobility to improve connectivity while reducing pollution and traffic congestion.

The minister has previously advocated the adoption of emerging transport technologies, including electric aircraft, drones and other low-emission mobility solutions, as part of India's long-term infrastructure strategy.

If implemented, flying buses could represent a significant shift in urban transportation, particularly in densely populated cities where road congestion remains a major challenge. 

However, such projects would require advances in aircraft technology, safety regulations, air traffic management and supporting infrastructure before commercial deployment.

ALSO READ : Delhi To Nariman Point In 12 Hours: Gadkari Guarantees Expressway Completion By 2028

Gadkari's remarks add to the government's ambitious transport agenda, which seeks to combine infrastructure expansion with technological innovation to create faster, cleaner and more efficient mobility options for India's rapidly growing urban population.

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Oliver Kahn Picks 'Strongest' From 4 World Cup Semifinalists. Not Argentina

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 reaches the semi-final stage, legendary German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn picked France as the strongest contender for the FIFA World Cup trophy, calling the Les Blues "the most complete side". France are set to take on Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 first semi-final on July 15 at the Dallas stadium. The two teams will face each other for the second time in the final stages of the World Cup after the round of 16 won by Les Bleus (3-1) in 2006. Kahn gave France a slight edge while acknowledging how closely matched the remaining teams are.

"If I had to pick one team based purely on what we've seen so far, I would probably say France. They look the most complete side in terms of balance, depth and their ability to win games in different ways. But the margins between these four teams are extremely small, and any one of them is capable of lifting the World Cup," Kahn said on Zee5.

Previewing the last four, Kahn described Spain vs France as "one of the most fascinating tactical battles" of the tournament, with Spain's possession-based approach coming up against France's devastating counter-attacking game.

He said, "The team that controls the midfield without sacrificing its defensive structure will have the upper hand. Semi-finals are often decided by fine margins rather than sustained dominance."

On how Spain can break down France's compact defence, Kahn stressed patience and balance. "Spain have to stay patient but purposeful. They need to move the ball quickly, create overloads and maintain strong defensive balance because France are one of the best teams in transition."

The German great also believes the battle in midfield will determine the outcome, "It's not about pressing constantly - it's about pressing intelligently. Whichever side controls the central areas and prevents the opposition from playing through the middle will probably control the game."

Drawing on his own experience, Kahn highlighted the growing influence of goalkeepers in modern football. "Modern goalkeepers are effectively the first attackers as well as the last defenders... One good decision, or one mistake from a goalkeeper can completely change the outcome. The best teams stick to their game plan. They don't panic, stay emotionally disciplined and continue making good decisions under pressure."

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

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ECB Issues Guidelines On Alcohol Consumption By Players Post Stokes Retirement

The England Cricket Board has reportedly issued guidelines for its national team players regarding the consumption of alcohol. It is worth noting that alcohol consumption has created trouble for the board on numerous occasions. Under the new behaviour guidelines, players cannot drink a day before, during, or after a game. The players reportedly cannot drink in public places, including those at team hotels. However, approval from head coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key could allow some relaxation of the recommendations.

"On every day of an England men's home series and tour: The midnight curfew is in place. Players cannot appear under the influence of alcohol in public, or post on social media about any 'alcohol-related material or activities'. Players must inform the team management or security if they are out of the hotel after 10 pm, including changes of plan. In addition, from the day before the start of any match until the end of the day after that match has finished: We recommend that no alcohol be consumed," said a report in The Telegraph, quoting the new policy.

There has been a lot of chatter surrounding Ben Stokes' sudden retirement announcement. He dropped the bombshell on Day 4 of the third Test match between England and New Zealand at Trent Bridge, and the cricketing world was left stunned by the development.

While Stokes and the ECB did not mention anything about the late-night celebrations following the win in the first Test that led to the England skipper missing the second Test, people were quick to find a connection. However, Stokes said that the reasons behind his decision stretched back even further to the 4-1 Ashes series loss against Australia in 2025.

"The Lord's Test, for me, was something that brought back negative feelings about where I was in my career," Stokes said.

"I'd worked so hard since getting home to put things right, or at least that's what I thought I was doing. I put so much time and effort into doing that and I just burned myself out," he added.

Stokes made it clear that the ECB did not force him out but did accept that the recent nightclub controversy did not help.

"There was a build-up to it, how things were during the whole week at Lord's and then another moment when I sat next to Joe Root in the dressing room," he said.

"Obviously another scenario happened that added to it. It's never easy with me, is it? It was an unfortunate situation to be involved in over the past two weeks."

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