Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 clash with the UAE in Dubai was delayed by an hour after Pakistan threatened to boycott. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wanted match referee Andy Pycroft removed, citing bias and his role in the handshake row with India. PCB also demanded action against Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav for remarks they called political. The International Cricket Council (ICC) refused both demands. Pakistan finally agreed to play after talks, with Pycroft continuing as referee. UAE captain Muhammad Waseem won the toss and chose to bowl. The must-win game went ahead under high tension and controversy. (PC: India Today)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has banned the use of the word “ice cream,” calling it a foreign influence. It must now be replaced with state-approved words like “eseukimo” or “eoreumboseungi,” meaning “ice confection.” The move is part of a wider campaign to remove Western and South Korean words from daily use, especially in tourism. Even “hamburger” is banned and renamed “double bread with ground beef.” Karaoke machines are now called “on-screen accompaniment machines.” Tour guides in Wonsan are undergoing strict training to use only approved terms, with critics warning against open objections due to fear of punishment. (PC: X)

King Charles marked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday by gifting him a Kadamb tree, inspired by Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. The gesture follows PM Modi’s earlier gift of a ‘Sonoma’ tree to the King during his July UK visit. The exchange highlights India-UK cooperation on climate and clean energy. Leaders worldwide, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump, and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, sent greetings. PM Modi expressed gratitude, saying the affection and blessings from people strengthen his resolve to work for a “Viksit Bharat.” Celebrations included BJP’s launch of ‘Seva Pakhwada’ events. (PC: X)

A fake Pakistani football team of 22 men was caught in Japan and deported before they could play in any tournament. Japanese authorities found their documents to be fake on arrival. The men were trained to act like football players and carried forged papers. Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) later arrested them on suspicion of human trafficking. Officials named Malik Waqas as the main suspect. He set up a fake club called “Golden Football Trial” and charged each man PKR 4 million. Arrested on September 15, Waqas admitted to sending 17 men to Japan in 2024 using the same scam. (PC: X)

King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania at Windsor Castle on the first full day of their UK state visit. The royal carriage procession and a Red Arrows flypast filled the sky with red, white, and blue, drawing large crowds. Trump and Melania also paid respects at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb in St George’s Chapel. Later, a grand state banquet will take place, where both leaders are expected to give speeches. While many gathered in Windsor to cheer, protesters in London held rallies and displayed satirical Trump balloons. (PC: BBC)

Kerala has reported 19 deaths this year from Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but deadly brain infection caused by the “brain-eating amoeba” Naegleria fowleri. Health officials confirmed 61 cases across the state, affecting people from infants to the elderly. The infection spreads when contaminated freshwater enters through the nose, often while swimming or bathing. It does not spread person-to-person. Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting, often mistaken for meningitis. The state government has urged people to avoid stagnant or untreated water, use nose clips when swimming, and clean wells and tanks properly. Early detection remains crucial for survival. (PC: NDTV)

Tropical Storm Gabrielle has formed in the central Atlantic Ocean, about 1,000 miles from the northern Leeward Islands. The National Hurricane Center said the storm could become a hurricane by Saturday as it moves north-northwest. Experts warned the northeastern Caribbean, Bermuda, and parts of the US East Coast to monitor the storm closely. Gabrielle is not expected to make landfall in the US, but severe weather along the coast is possible. No watches or warnings are in place yet. Gabrielle is forecast to remain over open waters, though Bermuda could see effects next week if the track shifts. (PC: AP)

The Pakistan vs UAE Asia Cup 2025 match in Dubai began after a one-hour delay. UAE captain Muhammad Waseem won the toss and chose to bowl first. The game saw tension as Pakistan had earlier refused to leave their hotel with Andy Pycroft set to officiate. The ICC confirmed that Pycroft would remain as match referee despite controversy from the September 14 India-Pakistan match. The PCB said Pycroft apologised for barring the captains from shaking hands, calling it a “miscommunication.” The ICC added it may hold an inquiry. Both teams are under pressure in this high-stakes group clash. (PC: AFP)

2 men who fired outside actress Disha Patani’s Bareilly home were killed in an encounter in Ghaziabad, police said. The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force and Delhi Police intercepted the duo in Tronica City. Officers said the men opened fire and were shot during a gunfight. Both were taken to hospital but later died. A Glock, a Zigana pistol and many cartridges were found. Police identified the men as Ravindra alias Kallu and Arun, and said they belong to the Goldy Brar–Rohit Godara gang. The firing outside Patani’s home on September 12 caused no injuries. Police are probing the case. (PC: News18)

Police and CRPF started a joint search operation in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. The operation began around 3 pm in the Dholka-Sanyal nursery, a dense area close to the International Border. Officials said it is a possible infiltration route and the search was still on when reports came in. Earlier in March, security forces had intercepted a group of heavily armed terrorists in the same area. That encounter killed three Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists but also claimed the lives of four police personnel. Security forces remain on alert to stop further infiltration from across the border. (PC: ANI)