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Siraj’s Fiery Spell, Rahul’s Fifty Put India in Command on Day 1 Against West Indies

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Siraj’s Fiery Spell, Rahul’s Fifty Put India in Command on Day 1 Against West Indies

Ahmedabad: Mohammed Siraj’s best-ever bowling performance on home soil dismantled the West Indies batting lineup before KL Rahul anchored a commanding reply with a composed half-century, as India finished a dominant Day 1 of the first Test in a commanding position. After bundling the visitors out for a paltry 162, India reached 121/2 at stumps, trailing by just 41 runs with eight wickets in hand.

Opting to bat on a green-tinged surface in Ahmedabad, the West Indies’ top-order woes continued. Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah were relentless with the new ball, making it nip both ways. Siraj struck first, inducing a leg-side nick from Tagenarine Chanderpaul, before Bumrah trapped John Campbell, sending both openers back to the pavilion within the first half-hour.

Siraj was in scintillating form, producing a masterclass of seam bowling. He brilliantly set up Brandon King, bowling a series of inswingers before a delivery that held its line clipped the top of the off-stump as King shouldered arms. Soon after, he had Alick Athanaze caught at second slip, leaving the West Indies reeling.

A brief partnership between Roston Chase and Shai Hope offered some resistance, but their plans were foiled just before lunch by Kuldeep Yadav, who produced a classic leg-spinner’s dismissal—a drifting, turning delivery that snuck through Hope’s defence to hit the stumps.

After lunch, Siraj continued his charge, claiming the wicket of Chase to finish with figures of 4 for 40, narrowly missing out on a maiden five-wicket haul at home. Bumrah returned to clean up the tail with two unplayable yorkers, finishing with an impressive 3 for 42.

In response, India’s openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal started cautiously. After a brief rain delay, Jaiswal switched gears, hitting a flurry of boundaries in a quickfire 36 before edging a delivery from Jayden Seales. After Sai Sudharsan fell cheaply, Rahul dropped anchor. He played with serene confidence, reaching his 19th Test half-century to ensure India capitalized on the bowlers’ exceptional performance and ended the day firmly in control.

Brief Scores: India 121/2 (KL Rahul 53*, Yashasvi Jaiswal 36; Jayden Seales 1-21) trail West Indies 162 (Justin Greaves 32; Mohammed Siraj 4-40, Jasprit Bumrah 3-42) by 41 runs.

‘Corruption Won This Battle’: Wintrack Shuts India Operations, Blames Chennai Customs Harassment

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‘Corruption Won This Battle’: Wintrack Shuts India Operations, Blames Chennai Customs Harassment

Chennai: In a move that has ignited a firestorm on social media and drawn sharp criticism from prominent public figures, Tamil Nadu-based logistics firm Wintrack has ceased all its import-export activities in India, citing “relentless harassment” and bribery demands from Chennai Customs officials. The company’s dramatic shutdown, effective October 1, 2025, has put a harsh spotlight on allegations of systemic corruption affecting the ease of doing business in the country.

In a scathing post on the social media platform X, Wintrack alleged that its business has been “crippled and destroyed” as a direct retaliation for exposing bribery demands by officials earlier this year. “Corruption won this battle, they can destroy our business, not our voice,” the company stated starkly in its X bio.

The Chennai Customs Department has vehemently denied the allegations, issuing a detailed rebuttal and accusing the company of making false claims to evade scrutiny for regulatory violations.

Wintrack’s Explosive Allegations

Wintrack’s founder, Prawin Ganeshan, publicly named several officials from the Special Intelligence and Investigation Branch (SIIB) in his posts. He alleged that his wife’s company was forced to pay a ₹1.5 lakh bribe for a shipment, claiming that officials even offered a 10% “discount” during the illicit negotiations. The company maintains that the past 45 days of intense scrutiny were a direct consequence of their refusal to stay silent on corruption.

Chennai Customs Hits Back

Refuting the claims, the Chennai Customs Department issued an official statement asserting that Wintrack was under investigation for multiple violations. These included misclassification of goods, failure to declare USB charging cables in a shipment, and a lack of mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certification required under the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022.

Customs officials stated that proper hearings were conducted and that no bribes were sought. “This importer has an established pattern of making unsubstantiated allegations of corruption and bribery on this platform, only to delete such posts once factual rebuttals are provided by this department,” the customs’ statement read.

Public Figures Weigh In

The public dispute quickly escalated, drawing sharp responses from influential figures. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor reposted Wintrack’s announcement, calling the situation “truly dismaying.”

“Corruption remains rampant across the system and most companies simply comply as part of the “price of doing business”. It doesn’t have to be this way,” Tharoor wrote on X.

Mohandas Pai, former CFO of Infosys and a vocal advocate for corporate governance, tagged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his post. “You have failed to stamp out systemic corruption in our ports. Please act,” Pai urged. The high-profile interventions have transformed a business dispute into a national conversation about bureaucratic hurdles and corruption at India’s ports.

Gold Hits Record High Above ₹1,17,000; Is ₹1,25,000 the Next Target for 2025?

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Gold Hits Record High Above ₹1,17,000; Is ₹1,25,000 the Next Target for 2025?

Mumbai: Gold prices smashed all previous records in the Indian market on Tuesday, surging by over ₹1,400 to a new lifetime high of ₹1,17,788 per 10 grams on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX). The explosive rally, which marks a more than 50% gain so far this year, is being fueled by a perfect storm of global uncertainty, a weakening rupee, and growing investor demand for safe-haven assets.

The December gold futures contract jumped ₹1,444 in a single session, marking its fourth consecutive day of gains. The bullish sentiment also propelled the February 2026 contract to a new peak of ₹1,19,052 per 10 grams. Silver was not far behind, with its December futures contract hitting an all-time high of ₹1,44,330 per kilogram. With this powerful momentum, market analysts are now actively debating the possibility of gold reaching the psychological milestone of ₹1,25,000 before the end of 2025.

Why Are Gold and Silver Prices Skyrocketing?

A combination of international and domestic factors is driving the current bull run in precious metals. The primary drivers include:

  • Global Economic Jitters: “Precious metals prices climbed to a record high, driven by safe-haven demand amid concerns over a potential US government shutdown and expectations of further Federal Reserve rate cuts,” said Rahul Kalantri, VP Commodities at Mehta Equities Ltd. He noted that failed funding talks in the US have increased market anxiety.
  • Weakening US Dollar: The US Federal Reserve has signalled additional interest rate cuts this year. Lower interest rates typically weaken the dollar, making gold, which is priced in USD, more attractive to investors holding other currencies.
  • Trade Tensions: The imposition of new US tariffs on various goods has added to the atmosphere of global economic uncertainty, pushing investors towards the safety of gold.
  • Depreciating Rupee: A weaker Indian rupee makes importing gold more expensive, which directly translates to higher prices in the domestic market. This benefits investors who already hold gold assets.

What Should Be Your Investment Strategy?

With the market sentiment decisively favouring bullion, experts advise a cautious but optimistic approach.

“The investment mood in India has shifted decisively towards bullion,” notes Aksha Kamboj, Vice President of the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA). “The upward trend is consistent with gold futures pushing to new highs and receiving inflows into gold ETFs. Analysts recommend that, unless global monetary policy surprises or dollar strength returns, the price of gold should remain in its recent elevated range.”

For traders, Rahul Kalantri provides key technical levels: “In INR, gold has support at ₹1,15,000-₹1,14,680, while resistance is at ₹1,15,550-₹1,15,700. Silver has support at ₹1,42,450-₹1,41,850, while resistance is at ₹1,43,950-₹1,44,800.”

The outcome of the Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, which concluded on October 1, is also being watched closely. While the RBI is expected to hold rates steady, which could offer some support to the rupee, the powerful global factors are likely to remain the dominant force driving gold prices higher in the near term.

“Theft of Gold at Sabarimala an Inside Job”: V.D. Satheesan Accuses Devaswom Board and Ministers of Complicity

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“Theft of Gold at Sabarimala an Inside Job”: V.D. Satheesan Accuses Devaswom Board and Ministers of Complicity

Aranmula (Pathanamthitta): Kerala’s Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Travancore Devaswom Board and both the current and previous LDF governments, alleging a high-level conspiracy in the theft of gold from the Sabarimala temple. Speaking to the media in Aranmula, Satheesan claimed the disappearance of the gold plates was a “robbery and a scam” carried out with the full knowledge of the Devaswom Board and a private intermediary.

“What happened at Sabarimala is theft. The gold offered by devotees has been looted with the knowledge of the Devaswom Board and an intermediary,” Satheesan declared. He accused officials of deliberately suppressing an internal investigation report to shield the culprits.

The controversy revolves around the gold-plated panels of the temple’s Dwarapalakas (guardian deities), which were sponsored and installed by an individual named Unnikrishnan Potti. Satheesan alleged that these plates, which had a 40-year warranty, were removed for “maintenance” after just 20 years in violation of all rules and without High Court permission.

“An internal probe by the Devaswom Board itself found that gold was missing when the plates were returned. Instead of taking action, this report was buried to help the thieves. Two Devaswom Ministers and two Devaswom Board Presidents are accountable for this,” the Opposition Leader stated.

Raising a series of pointed questions, Satheesan demanded clarity on the role of the intermediary and the Board’s actions:

  • “Why did the current Devaswom President grant permission to take the gold plates outside the temple premises, violating the rule that repairs must be done within the temple compound?”
  • “Who is this Unnikrishnan Potti? Who authorized him to handle the gold plates and conduct fundraising in the name of Sabarimala?”
  • “How did the missing gold end up at his relative’s house? Against whom has a case been registered?”

Satheesan dismissed those currently facing investigation as mere intermediaries in a larger criminal case where “kilograms of gold have been stolen by cheating Lord Ayyappa.” He alleged that the continued protection of the main culprits suggests that higher officials may have received a share of the stolen wealth. “When they realized the amount of gold was reduced, they chose to protect the thieves. This implies they must be getting a cut,” he alleged.

‘Path to Karachi Runs Through Sir Creek,’ Rajnath Singh’s Stern Warning to Pakistan

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‘Path to Karachi Runs Through Sir Creek,’ Rajnath Singh’s Stern Warning to Pakistan

Gandhinagar: In a sharp escalation of rhetoric, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday issued a stern and unequivocal warning to Pakistan, stating that any “misadventure” in the disputed Sir Creek border region will be met with a decisive response that could alter both “history and geography.”

Addressing soldiers at the Lakki Nala military base in the Sir Creek sector of Gujarat on the occasion of Vijayadashami, Singh directly referenced Pakistan’s increasing military build-up in the area. “In the 1965 war, the Indian Army demonstrated the capability to reach Lahore. In 2025, Pakistan must remember that the road to Karachi also passes through Sir Creek,” the Defence Minister declared.

The strong comments come amid rising tensions over the 96-kilometre-long tidal estuary, a long-standing point of contention between the two nations. “Even 78 years after independence, Pakistan continues to raise the dispute over Sir Creek. India has made numerous attempts to resolve this issue through dialogue, but Pakistan’s intentions are not clear,” Singh said, adding, “However, the recent military activities by the Pakistan army near Sir Creek are revealing their true intentions.”

Sir Creek, a marshy and difficult terrain along the Gujarat border, is strategically significant. India maintains that the boundary lies mid-channel, as per international maritime law, while Pakistan claims the entire creek, arguing the border is on the eastern bank.

The Defence Minister assured that the Indian Army and the Border Security Force (BSF) are maintaining high-level vigilance along the border. He asserted that any provocative move from Pakistan would be met with a response so severe that it would force a heavy price. “Any wrongful act from Pakistan’s side will receive a reply that will change both history and geography,” he reiterated.

Mollywood’s Titans Unite: Mammootty and Mohanlal Lead Star-Studded Action Thriller ‘Patriot’, Title Teaser Released

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Mollywood’s Titans Unite: Mammootty and Mohanlal Lead Star-Studded Action Thriller ‘Patriot’, Title Teaser Released

Kochi: The long wait for what is being hailed as Malayalam cinema’s biggest casting coup is over. The title teaser for “Patriot,” a mega-budget, multi-starrer action thriller uniting legends Mammootty and Mohanlal, was released today, sending waves of excitement across social media. Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Mahesh Narayanan, the film promises a visual spectacle on an unprecedented scale.

The star power doesn’t end with the two titans. The film boasts a spectacular ensemble cast featuring Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara, and Revathi in pivotal roles, all of whom are featured in the high-octane teaser. Produced by Anto Joseph under his banner Anto Joseph Film Company, “Patriot” is shaping up to be a landmark project in the industry.

The released teaser suggests an international spy thriller, packed with slick action sequences, grand visuals, and a gripping narrative. Fans were quick to praise the mass appeal of Mammootty and Mohanlal, whose powerful screen presence dominates the promo. The thrilling background score by Sushin Shyam and stunning cinematography by Manush Nandan have also been highlighted as major strengths, promising a world-class theatrical experience.

Written and edited by director Mahesh Narayanan himself, the film has been shot across multiple international and domestic locations, including Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Delhi, Sharjah, Ladakh, and Kochi. The current schedule is progressing in Hyderabad, with further shoots planned in Kochi and the UK. According to the production team, the highly anticipated combination scenes featuring both Mammootty and Mohanlal will be filmed in Kochi.

The extensive cast also includes Jinu Joseph, Rajeev Menon, Prakash Belawadi, and Darshana Rajendran, among others. Billed as the biggest mass action film in Malayalam cinema’s history, “Patriot” is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on Vishu 2026.

Mammootty Ends 6-Month Hiatus to Join Mahesh Narayanan’s Mega-Film with Mohanlal; First Teaser Drops Tomorrow

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Mammootty Ends 6-Month Hiatus to Join Mahesh Narayanan’s Mega-Film with Mohanlal; First Teaser Drops Tomorrow

HYDERABAD: Malayalam cinema icon Mammootty has made his much-anticipated return to the film sets after a six-month hiatus. The superstar joined the Hyderabad schedule today for director Mahesh Narayanan’s untitled mega multi-starrer, which is being hailed as one of the biggest projects ever in Malayalam cinema.

In a major announcement that has electrified fans, the producers confirmed that the first official teaser for the film will be released tomorrow, October 2, at 12:00 PM.

The project marks the grand reunion of Malayalam cinema’s two biggest legends, Mammootty and Mohanlal, after a long interval. The film boasts an incredible ensemble cast that includes Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara, and Revathi in pivotal roles. The supporting cast features prominent actors like Jinu Joseph, Darshana Rajendran, and Prakash Belawadi, known for his roles in Madras Cafe and Pathaan.

Directed, written, and co-edited by the acclaimed Mahesh Narayanan, the film is being mounted on a massive scale. Previous shooting schedules have been completed across diverse international and domestic locations, including Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Sharjah, Ladakh, Delhi, and Kochi.

The film is backed by a powerhouse technical crew, with renowned Bollywood cinematographer Manush Nandan handling the camera, and the sensational Sushin Shyam composing the music. The project is produced by Anto Joseph under the Anto Joseph Film Company banner, along with K.G. Anilkumar of Kichappu Films.

With the combination of Mollywood’s biggest stars, a celebrated director, and a grand production scale, all eyes are now on tomorrow’s teaser for the first glimpse of this cinematic spectacle.

‘Idli Kadai’ Review: Dhanush’s Directorial Venture is a Tasteless, Melodramatic Letdown

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‘Idli Kadai’ Review: Dhanush’s Directorial Venture is a Tasteless, Melodramatic Letdown

KOCHI: Dhanush’s highly anticipated film ‘Idli Kadai’, which he wrote, directed, and starred in, has left audiences disappointed on its opening day. Despite a star-studded cast and significant hype, the movie falls flat due to an outdated plot and excessive melodrama, failing to deliver a compelling cinematic experience.

Released today, the film boasts a talented ensemble including Arun Vijay, Nithya Menen, Prakash Raj, Sathyaraj, and Shalini Pandey, but their potential is wasted in a film that feels routine and uninspired.

Plot and Screenplay

The film tells the story of a young man who, after failing to live up to his father’s expectations, returns to his village to take over the family’s humble idli shop. While the premise—centered on themes of family, love, and responsibility—had immense potential, it is squandered by a predictable and weakly written screenplay. The director, Dhanush, fails to effectively convey the characters’ emotional conflicts, leaving the audience disconnected.

Performances

While Dhanush carries the film on his shoulders, his performance offers nothing new. It is technically sound but lacks the novelty and memorability expected from an actor of his caliber. The heroine’s character, played by Shalini Pandey, is poorly written, giving her little scope to perform. Arun Vijay does a competent job in his villainous role, but the character itself lacks depth. The only true standout is actor Rajkiran, who delivers a comforting and solid performance as Dhanush’s father.

Technical Aspects

The film’s technical departments are merely average. G.V. Prakash’s music and background score fail to make an impact or blend with the narrative. The cinematography by Kiran Koushik is passable, and the editing by G.K. Prasanna could have been much tighter to handle the film’s pacing issues.

Final Verdict

‘Idli Kadai’ is a classic case of a missed opportunity. Despite having all the ingredients for a heartfelt family drama, it collapses under the weight of its outdated storytelling and forced emotional scenes. Barring a few competent performances, the film is a forgettable and bland affair that fails to leave a lasting impression.

Cast:

Dhanush, Nithya Menen, Arun Vijay, Rajkiran, Sathyaraj, R. Parthiban, Shalini Pandey, P. Samuthirakani, Geetha Kailasam, Ilavarasu, Vadivukkarasi, Brigida Saga and Indumathy Manikandan

Story, Screenplay and Direction: Dhanush | Music: GV Prakash Kumar | Cinematography: Kiran Koushik

Editing: Prasanna GK | Production: Dawn Pictures and Wunderbar Films

Two Tamil Nadu Policemen Arrested for Raping Teen in Horrific Roadside Attack

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Two Tamil Nadu Policemen Arrested for Raping Teen in Horrific Roadside Attack

TIRUVANNAMALAI: In a shocking case that has sparked outrage across Tamil Nadu, two police constables have been arrested for allegedly raping a 19-year-old girl in front of her elder sister while on duty. The incident took place near Tiruvannamalai town on Monday night.

The arrested officers have been identified as Suresh Raj and Sundar, both constables posted at the Tiruvannamalai (East) police station. The two sisters had traveled from their native Andhra Pradesh in a minivan to sell bananas at a market in the temple town.

According to the police report, the constables stopped the minivan around midnight on Monday for a routine vehicle inspection on the Enthal bypass road. They forced the two sisters to get out of the vehicle and then took them to a secluded grove nearby. There, they allegedly sexually assaulted the younger sibling in front of her terrified elder sister.

The accused abandoned the traumatized siblings on the roadside at around 4 a.m. on Tuesday. They were later discovered by workers from a nearby brick kiln unit, who immediately alerted an ambulance. The sisters were rushed to the Tiruvannamalai Government General Hospital, where doctors confirmed the sexual assault and informed the police.

Based on the survivor’s statement, a case was registered at the District All Women Police Station, and constables Suresh Raj and Sundar were promptly arrested and placed under suspension. Senior officials have confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway to ensure strict legal action is taken.

The incident has triggered widespread condemnation, particularly as the alleged perpetrators were law enforcement officers tasked with protecting citizens. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) fiercely criticized the ruling DMK government, calling the incident “the horrific pinnacle of women’s insecurity.”

In a post on X, EPS stated, “The DMK government of this puppet Chief Minister must hang its head in shame for this disgraceful situation,” adding that the state had reached a point where women “must protect themselves from the very police department that is supposed to be their shield.” He demanded proper medical care for the survivor and the most stringent punishment for the accused.

Gold Price Shatters All Records in Kerala, Hits Historic ₹87,000 Per Sovereign

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Gold Price Shatters All Records in Kerala, Hits Historic ₹87,000 Per Sovereign

Kochi: Gold prices in Kerala have skyrocketed to an unprecedented all-time high on Wednesday, creating a shockwave across the market. The price for a sovereign (pavan) of 22-carat gold surged by ₹880 in a single day, reaching a historic milestone of ₹87,000 for the first time ever.

This record-breaking price puts the cost of one gram of 22-carat gold at ₹10,875. For consumers, the actual cost of purchasing jewellery is significantly higher. After including GST, making charges, and hallmarking fees, a one-sovereign gold ornament is expected to cost upwards of ₹94,000.

The surge is not limited to gold. Silver prices have also hit a new peak, crossing the ₹150 mark for the first time in history to trade at ₹153 per gram. Market analysts suggest that silver prices are likely to continue their upward trend in the coming days.

The market has been extremely volatile, with yesterday’s trade seeing a steep morning hike of ₹920 per sovereign, followed by an evening drop of ₹640. This volatility is primarily influenced by international market rates, import duties, fluctuating currency exchange rates, and local taxes.

This sharp increase in gold prices has cast a shadow over the state’s vibrant wedding market, causing a crisis for families planning to purchase gold for upcoming ceremonies. Market forecasts indicate that the upward trend may continue, with predictions that the price per gram could reach ₹12,000 by the Diwali season.

Today’s Rate Card (per gram):

  • 22 Carat Gold: ₹10,875
  • 18 Carat Gold: ₹8,940
  • 14 Carat Gold: ₹6,960
  • Silver: ₹153
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