Hardik Pandya expressed disappointment at missing the Asia Cup final against Pakistan due to injury but praised the team's character in securing India's ninth title. India chased 147 in 19.4 overs on Sunday. Pandya highlighted how pressure situations will benefit the team long-term, noting their ability to adapt and play fearlessly. He commended Abhishek Sharma's blazing start that won half the game during powerplay. Despite modest personal stats, four wickets in six matches at 8.57 economy Pandya emphasized enjoying his new-ball role alongside Jasprit Bumrah. He treats bowling as a life choice rather than a task, prioritizing it as his primary skill while maintaining batting readiness when needed.

The BCCI announced INR 21 crore prize money for India's Asia Cup 2025 triumph over Pakistan, over ten times the official winner's amount of USD 300,000 (approximately INR 2.6 crore). BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the reward for players and support staff after Sunday's five-wicket victory in Dubai. India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, defeating Pakistan three times within two weeks. The prize recognizes the team's commanding performance under Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy. However, India declined collecting the official trophy, medals, and cheque from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads PCB and serves as Pakistan's minister. The BCCI's announcement reflects extraordinary celebration for the dominant Asia Cup campaign. (PC: Reuters & Cricbuzz)

The Jammu and Kashmir administration reopened seven tourist spots in the valley on Monday that were closed following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The decision came after Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha issued directions following a Unified Headquarters meeting on Friday. Sinha announced the move on X, stating, "After a thorough security review and discussion in today's UHQ meeting, I've ordered reopening of more tourist spots in Kashmir and Jammu Divisions, which were temporarily closed as precautionary measures." The closures were implemented as security precautions after the Pahalgam attack. The reopening signals improved security conditions and aims to revive tourism in the region after months of restrictions. (PC: X & NDTV)

The Indian High Commission in London condemned the vandalism of Mahatma Gandhi's statue at Tavistock Square, calling it a "shameful act" and violent attack on nonviolence's legacy. The incident occurred three days before International Day of Nonviolence. The Commission has strongly raised the matter with local authorities, demanding immediate restoration to the statue's original dignity. Sculpted by Fredda Brilliant and unveiled by British PM Harold Wilson on May 17, 1968, the statue has stood for over half a century. Tavistock Square, known as London's "peace park," also houses memorials for Hiroshima victims and conscientious objectors. The seated Gandhi figure was historically used by Doordarshan for news bulletins.

The UK is considering stricter immigration rules requiring migrants to prove societal value for permanent residency. Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood plans changes to "indefinite leave to remain" status, currently available after five years. New requirements may include social security contributions, clean criminal records, no benefit claims, high English proficiency, and community volunteering. A consultation launches later this year. This follows Reform UK's proposal to scrap indefinite leave, replacing it with renewable five-year work visas. The party, leading opinion polls, has intensified immigration debate. London recently witnessed its largest anti-immigration protest with 110,000 participants at Tommy Robinson's rally. Immigration remains a top voter concern amid ongoing English Channel migrant crossings controversy. (PC: AP & Al Jazeera)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in New York on Monday to discuss strengthening diplomatic ties. Jaishankar described the meeting as positive and welcomed the recent High Commissioner appointments as crucial for rebuilding relations. He expressed eagerness to welcome his Indian-origin counterpart to India soon. India-Canada relations deteriorated after former PM Justin Trudeau alleged Indian government involvement in Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's 2023 killing, which India strongly denied. The diplomatic crisis saw envoy recalls and diplomat expulsions. However, ties improved after Liberal Party leader Mark Carney became Prime Minister in April. At June's G7 summit, Modi and Carney agreed on constructive steps, including early envoy returns. (PC: X/@ANI)

President Droupadi Murmu extended Durga Puja greetings to citizens and Indians abroad, emphasizing women's respect and rights. She highlighted the festival's cultural, spiritual, and faith-based significance, noting that worshipping Maa Durga in nine forms inspires truth, justice, and compassion. The President stressed that Durga Puja promotes equality, tolerance, and love values. Murmu urged everyone to pledge support for women's rights and respect, stating, "On this auspicious occasion, let us pledge to make every possible effort to ensure respect for women and to uphold their rightful place in society." Her message connected the religious symbolism of the goddess with contemporary social imperatives for gender equality and women's empowerment nationwide. (PC: X)

The Ministry of Home Affairs stated Monday that the government remains "always open for dialogue" with the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance on Ladakh matters. This follows LAB's announcement to boycott talks with MHA's High Powered Committee until normalcy returns to Ladakh, which is under indefinite curfew following last week's unrest. The MHA emphasized that the dialogue mechanism established through the HPC has "yielded good results" and expressed confidence that continuous engagement would produce desired outcomes soon. The ministry reiterated its willingness to welcome discussions with LAB and KDA through the High Powered Committee or any alternative platform, maintaining commitment to resolving regional concerns through peaceful negotiations. (PC: X)

Haifa's Mayor Yona Yahav announced Monday that the city's school history books are being corrected to credit Indian troops, not British forces, for liberating the city from Ottoman rule in 1918. Indian cavalry regiments like Mysore, Hyderabad, and Jodhpur Lancers executed the last great cavalry campaign in history, clearing Mt. Carmel's rocky slopes. Over 74,000 Indian troops died in WWI, including 4,000 in West Asia. History textbooks now teach this story from grades 3-5. India commemorates September 23 as Haifa Day annually. Memorials exist in Haifa, Jerusalem, and Ramle, with 900 Indian soldiers interred there. Teen Murti Chowk was renamed Teen Murti Haifa Chowk in 2018 honoring this sacrifice. (PC: India Today)

Canada has officially designated the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code, citing violent operations nationwide. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree stated groups using fear, violence, and extortion must be held accountable. The transnational criminal organization, operating primarily from India with presence in Canadian diaspora communities, engages in murder, shootings, arson, and extortion. The listing enables authorities to freeze assets, prosecute members, and restrict financing and recruitment. Lawrence Bishnoi, currently jailed in Gujarat's Sabarmati Central Jail, leads the gang linked to high-profile crimes including Sidhu Moosewala's murder and threats to Salman Khan. The gang gained prominence after Hardeep Singh Nijjar's 2023 killing, straining India-Canada relations. (PC: NDTV)