Pakistan has withdrawn from the 2026 Asian Hockey Champions Trophy in India after seeking a neutral venue due to political tensions.

Pitru Paksha Amavasya 2026 Date: Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2026 is being observed on October 9, marking the final day of Pitru Paksha. According to Drik Panchang, the day is dedicated to honouring known and unknown ancestors through Shraddha, Tarpan and Pinda Daan. Check the Amavasya Tithi timings, Kutup Muhurat, Rohina Muhurat, rituals and religious significance of Mahalaya Amavasya.

Vote counting began at 8 am for the Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly bypolls in West Bengal. The BJP aims to assess its performance after winning significant seats in the recent elections. Both constituencies recorded a high voter turnout with polling described as largely peaceful despite opposition allegations. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari previously won Nandigram, while the Rejinagar seat became vacant after a party chief vacated.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin met with Iran's Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss ending the Middle East conflict. During their talks in Turkmenistan, Putin emphasized his commitment to contributing to peace efforts. Both leaders noted the strengthening of diplomatic and military ties between their countries. They are set to attend a regional summit alongside other CIS leaders. Russia's isolation from Western nations has intensified the importance of these regional partnerships.

More than 120 US lawmakers raised concerns about Google's deal to acquire Spirit Airlines' internal data for artificial intelligence. The data included employee records and communications, prompting requests to limit the transaction's scope. Google stated that it does not seek personal information from Spirit employees during the acquisition process. Lawmakers highlighted the importance of protecting worker privacy amid advancements in artificial intelligence technology.

Indian flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar will receive Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for his bravery during an alleged mid-air hijacking attempt on September 30. Despite sustaining severe injuries in an attack by his co-pilot, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and off-duty crew members to restrain the attacker. He is currently recovering in an Abu Dhabi hospital.

Nana Patekar, the veteran Bollywood actor, was pronounced dead upon arrival at Manipal Hospital. The police have registered an Unnatural Death case following his demise at his residence. His son, Malhar Patekar, spoke fondly about his father's eternal impact on the world. Many noted the loss of Patekar's candid mentorship and friendship in the film industry. Tributes have been pouring in from admirers and fellow actors after the news broke.

Nana Patekar, the veteran Bollywood actor, was pronounced dead upon arrival at Manipal Hospital. The police have registered an Unnatural Death case following his demise at his residence. His son, Malhar Patekar, spoke fondly about his father's eternal impact on the world. Many noted the loss of Patekar's candid mentorship and friendship in the film industry. Tributes have been pouring in from admirers and fellow actors after the news broke.

Chinese President Xi Jinping was busy travelling abroad last month. In September, he paid a historic state visit to the United States, his first to the country in more than a decade. He also made his first visit to India in seven years, meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Brics summit. China will host the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November, where Xi will meet US President Donald Trump for the third time this year. During the summit, Xi is...