Read n Ready

The stage is set for the first semi-final of the ongoing Billie Jean King Cup 2026; Spain will be taking on Czechia in the semi-final, and both sides will look to put in their best performances in hopes of booking their ticket to the summit clash. The two sides will take on each other at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre Arena, Shenzhen, China, on September 25. It is worth noting that for fans looking to witness live Billie Jean King Cup action, they can tune in to the VETO app.

Amid reports of internal differences within the Election Commission of India (ECI), Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the country’s top electoral leadership, categorically calling those involved in alleged vote theft “traitors.” Media reports revealed that two Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, had formally lodged written objections on 14 separate occasions with the Chief Election Commissioner Gyan Kumar over the working methods and data management of the voter list.

TV and film actor Mushtaq Khan, known for his supporting roles in films and television, has died at the age of 56 after battling cancer. Following news of his death, Kuch Rang Pyaar Ke Aise Bhi co-star Supriya Pilgaonkar paid tribute to him on social media, remembering him as her ‘dearest brother’ who showed her the right path from time to time.

Several delegations walked out of the United Nations General Assembly hall in New York on Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address at the 81st UNGA session. The dramatic walkout came amid intense international criticism of Israel over its military actions and the continuing Gaza conflict. As officials left the hall, Netanyahu responded sharply to the departing delegates. Turning to those who remained, he said, “Before I begin, just a quick announcement: if there are any other moral cowards who haven’t yet left this hall, please do so…

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday (local time) called for stronger China-US ties and said, ‘Let us nurture beautiful flowers of Sino-US friendship.’ He also thanked US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for their hospitality during his visit, saying the two leaders had reached a common understanding on several issues to guide China-US relations.

Emmy winner Vir Das has another International Emmy nomination to add to his record. His Netflix stand-up special Fool Volume has been recognised in the Comedy category at the 2026 awards. India has another entry this year too, with SonyLIV’s Real Kashmir Football Club nominated for Drama Series.

As many as nine people were dead and several others sustained injuries after a passenger bus caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway near Noida International Airport on Thursday morning. The bus was reportedly carrying around 30 to 40 passengers when the fire broke out. The sudden blaze turned the journey into a desperate fight to escape as thick smoke quickly spread through the bus. Passengers rushed towards the exit, with several people reportedly struggling to get out amid the confusion and panic.

India started their day on a strong note at the Asian Games on Thursday, winning two early medals. Roshibina Devi won the silver medal after losing to China’s Xiaoyu Zhang in the final of the women’s Sanda Wushu 60kg category, while Indian rowers Satnam Singh and Salman Khan secured a bronze medal in the men’s double sculls event.

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington on Wednesday for a three-day state visit, setting the stage for high-level talks with US President Donald Trump on trade, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, Taiwan and other sensitive issues. The visit, which runs from September 23 to 25, has drawn particular attention even before the formal White House meeting because Trump personally travelled to Joint Base Andrews to receive Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were present at the Maryland military base when Xi’s aircraft arrived. The US…

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday said that Cyclone Arnab over the Bay of Bengal crossed the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast. The cyclone is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha as it moved inland. Ahead of Cyclone Arnab’s landfall, six districts in Odisha have been placed under the red zone: Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi and Ganjam.