Bayern Munich Campus Director Jochen Sauer has warned India not to repeat China’s mistakes as it pursues its football ambitions. “Don’t repeat the China mistake,” Sauer said, stressing that India must follow a clear, long-term development plan instead of repeatedly changing its strategy. He urged Indian football authorities to invest in quality coaches, youth development and better opportunities for young players. Sauer said India had made progress in developing young talent over the past decade but warned that success would require patience and consistency. He called for a 10-year roadmap to build a stronger and sustainable football system. (PC: NDTV)

A 47-year-old mother from Maharashtra’s Beed district has won hearts after running barefoot in a saree to win ₹3,000 for her daughters’ education. Ramabai Ranveer, the family’s sole breadwinner and a domestic cook, finished first in the 3-km Amrut Daud marathon in Ambajogai on August 29. A viral video showed her running with her sandals in her hand. Her daughter Pooja, who encouraged her to participate, finished second. Ranveer said she planned to use the prize money to buy books and meet her daughters’ needs. One daughter is pursuing a B.Sc., while Pooja is preparing for police recruitment. (PC: The Hindu)

India’s 21-year-old powerlifting star Keyaa Kunal Banerji made the nation proud after lifting 140kg, more than three times her 45.70kg body weight, to win silver in the deadlift at the IPF World Sub-Junior and Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships in South Africa. Competing in the Junior Women’s 47kg category, Banerji finished fifth overall with a total of 280kg. Her remarkable performance marks another major step in her rapidly rising career. The young athlete has steadily improved her strength over the past year, turning hard work and determination into an international medal for India.  

Iran launched missile and drone attacks on US targets in Jordan, Kuwait, Iraq and Bahrain after American forces resumed strikes against Iran. Tehran’s retaliation came after Iranian authorities said a US missile strike hit a home hosting a wedding in Sirik, southern Iran, killing five people, including a child, and injuring more than 50. The US military said it was aware of the reports but insisted it never targets civilians. Iran fired ballistic missiles at a US Marine base in Jordan, while strikes were also reported in Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraq. Jordan said it intercepted most of the missiles. (PC: BBC)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday announced the withdrawal of cases filed against farmers and teachers for protests during the previous DMK government’s tenure between 2021 and 2026. Vijay said the pending cases had caused difficulties for those booked for protesting against projects such as SIPCOT developments and the proposed Parandur airport. He accused the previous government of treating democratic protesters “inhumanely” and said the decision would strengthen democratic rights and public trust. The CPI urged the TVK government to extend the move to NEET protesters, while the PMK sought the withdrawal of cases linked to protests against the Neyveli Lignite Corporation. (PC: X)

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad has achieved its highest-ever international placement offer, with a Maximum Earning Potential (MEP) of US$243,000 (nearly ₹2.31 crore). The offer, made for a business development role in the IT sector in Dubai, surpasses the previous record of US$192,581 set in 2014. Six of 392 participating students accepted international offers, with placements also in Hong Kong and Japan. Domestically, the highest MEP reached ₹81.6 lakh, while the median rose to ₹36.98 lakh, the highest in five years. (PC: X)

The Bihar government has issued a public health advisory after unusual and unidentified fish were reportedly carried into the state by floodwaters from Nepal. The fish have been spotted in the Gandak River basin, particularly in West Champaran and Gopalganj. Authorities have advised residents not to catch, buy, sell or consume these unfamiliar fish until their species and safety are properly verified. Officials are concerned about possible bacterial, viral and fungal contamination, while spoiled fish could also cause foodborne illnesses such as vomiting and diarrhoea. The advisory aims to protect public health as authorities assess the fish brought by the floodwaters. 

Erin Piacenti, 32, a Bank of America vice-president and new mother, was fatally stabbed in a random, unprovoked attack in New York’s Times Square on August 31. The incident occurred shortly after she returned to work following maternity leave. Police said a 49-year-old woman, Pamela Cisneros, attacked Piacenti and a 68-year-old man with knives. Piacenti was taken to hospital but died from her injuries, while the other victim remained in stable condition. Officers shot Cisneros after she allegedly advanced toward them with knives. Authorities said the attacker had a history of mental-health issues. Bank of America expressed deep sorrow over Piacenti’s death. 

At least five people, including a four-year-old child, were killed and more than 50 injured after a reported US airstrike hit a wedding celebration near Sirik in southern Iran, Iranian authorities said. The incident occurred amid renewed military confrontation between the United States and Iran. Tehran condemned the strike and accused Washington of causing civilian casualties. The US military said it had conducted strikes against Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets, including air-defence systems, radar facilities, maritime assets and communications sites. Iran also reported attacks on US-linked positions in the region. The latest escalation marks the most serious direct fighting between the two sides in weeks. 

Indian equity markets came under heavy pressure on Wednesday as renewed US-Iran military strikes intensified geopolitical uncertainty and pushed crude oil prices higher. The Sensex fell 0.79% to 76,333.20, while the Nifty 50 declined 0.89% to 23,841.40. All 16 major sectors recorded losses, with mid-cap and small-cap stocks also falling. Brent crude climbed to around $95.40 a barrel, raising concerns over inflation and India’s import bill. Oil-sensitive sectors, including airlines, tyre and paint companies, were particularly affected. Investors remained cautious amid fears that prolonged conflict could disrupt oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: Reuters)