Marathi psychological thriller Gondhal, directed by Santosh Davakhar, has been selected as India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards, the Film Federation of India announced Friday. Set in rural Maharashtra, the film uses the Gondhal ritual to explore tensions between cultural traditions, personal desires and human vulnerability. It follows Suman, an unhappy married woman drawn into a dangerous plan involving her husband and a Gondhali performer. The film stars Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni and Nishad Bhoir. Davakhar won the Silver Peacock for Best Director at IFFI 2025. Released theatrically in Maharashtra on November 14, 2025, Gondhal is the fourth Marathi film to represent India in the Oscars race.

A Financial Times-Focaldata poll found Donald Trump’s approval rating among registered voters fell to 33 percent, down three points from August and the lowest since the series began in May. Sixty-six percent of 2,178 adults said the US economy was moving in the wrong direction, another poll high. Trump’s net approval on inflation and cost of living dropped to 17 percent, with 69 percent disapproving, while approval on jobs and the economy fell to 26 percent. Only 18 percent felt financially better off than when Trump returned to office, versus 57 percent feeling worse off. Among Trump voters, economic optimism declined, while Patrick Flynn said Republican dissatisfaction could affect midterm candidates. (PC: X)

Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration suspended the licence of Olympia Coffee House, a 108-year-old Irani cafe in Colaba, after a September 16 inspection triggered by a customer complaint found hygiene violations. Inspectors reportedly found a urinal inside the food storage area, meat and blood residues in a refrigerator, cockroach and fly infestation, improper segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian items, food handled directly on the floor, and unclean preparation water. Chopping boards and missing protective clothing among staff were also noted. Under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the cafe must stop food-related operations until deficiencies are fixed and clears re-inspection. Hollywood stars visited two months earlier.

The Trump administration has granted entry visas to key Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, allowing them to attend next week’s UN General Assembly sessions in New York despite the ongoing US-Iran conflict. The State Department said visas were issued for Iran’s core delegation and essential support staff, with travel restrictions and limits on luxury and other purchases. The decision follows the denial of visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation. Washington cited host-country obligations for allowing the Iranian delegation, while maintaining sanctions against Iran. The Palestinian Authority condemned the US decision, defending efforts to pursue recognition and legal action over the Gaza conflict. (PC: Getty Images)

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) plans to invite IPL team owners to buy franchises in other sports to help ensure their leagues succeed. Sources told Times Now that women’s hockey, archery and volleyball are being considered under the initiative, modelled on the Indian Premier League. The proposal comes as the Women’s Hockey India League faces an existential crisis amid rising costs and operational difficulties. India’s women’s hockey players appealed to save the league after their fifth-place World Cup finish, their best result since 1974, crediting the league for their success. The Indian Super League faced difficulties, with its 2025-26 season starting in February and being played in truncated form. (PC: CNBC)

Saudi Arabia is struggling against a resurgent Ansar Allah, better known as the Houthis, in Yemen, while its principal ally, the United States, might have reached an understanding with the Iran-backed group to protect American and international shipping. US officials reportedly met Houthi representatives at the US Embassy in Muscat, Oman, in direct outreach that could reshape the Yemen conflict. If an understanding has been reached, Riyadh could be left confronting the Iran-backed militia largely on its own. The development comes as Saudi Arabia battles a renewed Houthi offensive in Yemen, potentially altering the regional dynamics and leaving the kingdom to manage the threat without the same level of American support. (PC: AP)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday, discussing developments in West Asia and ways to strengthen India-UAE ties. The leaders reaffirmed cooperation and coordination to promote peace, security and stability in the region. They discussed expanding the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across energy, defence, technology, investment and health. The call came a day after Modi turned 76, with Sheikh Mohamed conveying birthday wishes. Modi thanked him for the call and wishes. The UAE President also congratulated Modi on India’s BRICS Presidency. Modi appreciated UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled’s participation in the BRICS Summit and thanked the UAE for its cooperation and partnership.

Congress candidate Milan Pradhan, contesting the Nandigram Assembly by-election, has been arrested in connection with an old alleged murder case, hours after Mamata Banerjee publicly announced support for his candidature. Banerjee said her faction would back Pradhan after its own nominee, Sanchita Pradhan Dey, withdrew her nomination amid the Trinamool Congress’ name and symbol freeze row. Pradhan’s arrest adds another twist to the dramatic developments surrounding the Nandigram bypoll. The report said the alleged murder case dates back several years, but did not provide further details about the case or the circumstances of the arrest. Banerjee had extended support to Pradhan earlier Friday, just shortly before news of his arrest emerged. (PC: X)

Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress faction will back Congress nominee in the Nandigram bypoll after its nominee, Sanchita Pradhan Dey, withdrew from the contest. Dey’s candidature had been announced on Sunday, but she reportedly met Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday night before withdrawing on Friday. With nominations already closed for the October 6 election, the faction could not field a replacement. The Congress has nominated Milan Pradhan, while the BJP has fielded Hasirani Rath and Ritabrata Banerjee’s TMC faction has nominated Ehteshamul Haq. Banerjee said Rahul Gandhi had called her over the party’s name and symbol dispute, saying they were together. The Election Commission has frozen the TMC name and symbol.

India began its Asian Games T20 gold defence with an eight-wicket win over hosts Japan in the women’s quarter-final. Japan were bowled out for 57, with Shree Charani taking four wickets. India then chased the target inside five overs, losing only two wickets. Harmanpreet Kaur’s team entered the match after a demanding 107 hours that included controversy surrounding their refusal to receive the Women’s Asia Cup trophy from ACC president Mohsin Naqvi, followed by a 72-run victory over Sri Lanka in the final and a nearly 8,000-kilometre journey from Dubai to Delhi and then Nagoya. The opener gave India a straightforward start to their title defence after their long journey overall.