The Nipah virus has claimed two lives in Kozhikode, Kerala, the union Health minister confirmed Tuesday. Two others are also infected. The first death occurred on August 30, the second on Monday. Kerala's Chief Minister said Nipah infection was confirmed after testing saliva samples of four people, of which two were positive. The state government has set up a control room in Kozhikode, advised using masks, and is monitoring those in close contact with the deceased. The Centre has sent a team to assist Kerala in containing the outbreak. The state government urged caution but said there is no need to panic as measures are in place to manage the situation.

A shocking report alleges that Indian football head coach Igor Stimac selected the national team squad based on an “astrologer's advice”. Stimac allegedly shared players' data with an astrologer recommended by AIFF general secretary Kushal Das, who was “worried” about India’s Asian Cup qualification. The astrologer supposedly responded with inputs on which players to pick or avoid each day. Per the report, Stimac exchanged around 100 messages with the astrologer during May-June 2022 discussing selection, injuries, and tactics. Das admitted facilitating the arrangement and said the astrologer was paid ₹12-15 lakh in two months. The report raises serious concerns about the selection process and propriety. Sharing confidential team information with an outsider also jeopardizes integrity and risks misuse of vital data.

India defeated Sri Lanka by 41 runs in a tense low-scoring Asia Cup encounter at Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium. With a target of 214 to win, Sri Lanka was restricted to 172 as Kuldeep Yadav (4/43) shone with the ball. Earlier, Dunith Wellalage (5/40) and Charith Asalanka (4/18) skittled India for 213 after Rohit Sharma opted to bat. Rohit top-scored with 53 but no other batsman made a significant contribution on the spin-friendly pitch. During the chase, Kuldeep (4/43), Bumrah (2/30), and Ravindra Jadeja (2/33) negated Sri Lanka's batsmen to seal a thrilling victory. Despite a modest total, tight bowling ensured India prevailed in the low-scoring contest to move into the finals on Sunday. [Photo: BCCI]

Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami inaugurated the 'India Pavilion' at DSEI 2023, showcasing the best of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' defence equipment. The largest ever Indian Defence Industry Delegation is participating in the DSEI 2023 at Excel, London. Speaking at the DSEI 2023 Curtain Raiser event on Monday, Doraiswami called for strengthening the India-UK defence relationship into a more "two-way partnership." The event highlights India's indigenous defence capabilities, underscoring the vast potential for deeper defence collaboration between India-UK. The India Pavilion at DSEI 2023 is an opportunity to showcase India's progress towards self-reliance in the fields defence and security.

Kent, a 6-year-old female labrador from the Indian Army's 21 Dog Unit, made the ultimate sacrifice while leading soldiers to fleeing terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. Coming under heavy fire during the encounter in Rajouri, Kent shielded her handler but succumbed at the scene. The brave canine was at the forefront of 'Operation Sujaligala' when she laid down her life in line of duty, upholding the highest traditions of the Indian Army. One terrorist and one army jawan were also killed in the clash, while 3 more jawans were injured. Kent's selfless act underscores the invaluable role of army dogs and their handlers in counterinsurgency operations.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte made an unexpected visit to bustling Bengaluru, embracing the local culture. As per reports, he was spotted cycling on Church Street, highlighting the city's business significance. Accompanied by security, Rutte warmly interacted with shop owners and locals, taking selfies and enjoying 'chai time.' He celebrated India's technological progress by paying for his tea with UPI. Rutte stated Bengaluru is the place for business, with the best companies, affirming its robust economic landscape. His casual engagement with citizens and acknowledgment of advancements underscored India's global standing. The prime minister's surprise sojourn left a mark on the city.

Broward County in Florida has declared November as 'Hindu Heritage Month' and also recognized Hinduism as one of the world's largest and oldest religions. The County acknowledged the contributions of Hinduism in areas like yoga, ayurveda, meditation, arts, music, and more. It noted that Hindu Americans have made major contributions in sectors like IT, medicine, hospitality, academia, and more. The resolution highlighted how Hindu philosophy of Vedanta has inspired American leaders like President John Adams, Martin Luther King Jr., Henry David Thoreau, and others. It mentioned that over 50,000 people in Broward County observe Diwali every year. The County aims to recognize the Hindu community's cultural impact and contributions through this special heritage month.

Dunith Wellalage and Charith Asalanka starred as Sri Lanka bundled out India for just 213 runs. Wellalage claimed an impressive 5 wicket haul (5 for 40) while Asalanka snapped up 4 for 18. Rohit Sharma top-scored for India with 53 but despite an 80-run opening stand with Shubman Gill, the visitors failed to build momentum. After winning the toss and electing to bat, India were undone by the Sri Lankan bowling attack. With such a low total, India now faces an uphill task to make it to the finals in the Asia Cup today. [pic courtesy: BCCI]

Influential Indian-Americans were named to TIME Magazine's 100 most important people in artificial intelligence list, recognizing their impact across healthcare, education, ethics and more. Those featured include 17-year-old Sneha Revanur, who advocates for ethical AI use, healthcare startup founder Neal Khosla, recycling tech expert Tushita Gupta, analysts Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor, and billionaire philanthropists Romesh and Sunil Wadhwani. The honour highlights Indian-Americans as leaders spanning AI applications from activism to innovation. (Image courtesy: TIME.com)

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah expressed being "overwhelmed" by a heartwarming gesture from Pakistani bowler Shaheen Afridi after their Asia Cup match. Afridi gave Bumrah a gift to congratulate him on becoming a father, showcasing excellent sportsman spirit. The gift exchange happened after rain interrupted the India-Pakistan Super 4 contest. Afridi presented a special gift box to Bumrah, who recently welcomed his first child with wife Sanjana Ganesan. Bumrah thanked Afridi, saying his family was touched by the love and good wishes. The moment, captured in a video posted by Pakistan Cricket Board, highlighted the respect between the star pacers despite their on-field rivalry. It was a display of humanity that transcended boundaries.