Pegula beats Sakkari in Montreal, third round match between Anisimova and Raducanu

 

Pegula beats Sakkari in Montreal, third round match between Anisimova and Raducanu

Two-time defending champion Jessica Pegula picked up her 11th straight victory at the Canadian Open, where she beat Maria Sakkari in two narrow sets in the second round. Pegula had a great comeback after saving five set points trailing 4-5 in the first set and won the match 7-5, 6-4.

Pegula successfully converted all five break points she faced on Wednesday. Pegula was the first female to record 11 wins in a row in this tournament, and the first player overall to do so since Serena Williams. Serena had won 14 matches in a row in this tournament between 2011-2014.

The American player will then meet experienced Anastasia Sevastova in the third round. Former world number 11 Sevastova beat Pegula in the 2016 Indian Wells qualifying, but Pegula captured the clay-court win against Sevastova in 2019 Charleston.

Pegula took a 3-1 lead in the first set, but Sakkari made a brilliant comeback and at one point won 12 points in a row. Sakkari got five set points at a 5-4 lead in the first set, but Pegula showed her 'Canadian Magic' to make the score 5-5.

After this, Pegula's service return became even more impressive. She won the next four games to take the set and break lead. In the second set, Pegula took a 4-1 lead, but Sakkari tried to make a comeback and brought the score to 4-3.

In the last game of the match, Pegula had to save a break point, but eventually she won the match and registered another important victory in Canada. Another American player in the top 5, Amanda Anisimova, was also a second-round winner on Wednesday. Fifth seed Anisimova defeated Lulu Sun 6-4, 7-6 (5).

Anisimova, playing her first match after finishing runner-up to Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon, hit 11 aces to enter the third round for the second consecutive year. Now in the third round, Anisimova will face 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu, who is a Grand Slam winner.

Earlier, Naomi Osaka made a strong comeback to beat 13th seed Ludmila Samsonova 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-3 in a match that lasted 2 hours and 37 minutes. Osaka was trailing 3-5 in the first set and then 3-5 in the second set and also saved two match points.

Ather 450S new variant launched with bigger battery, will give 161km range in a single charge

 

Ather 450S new variant launched with bigger battery, will give 161km range in a single charge

Electric vehicle manufacturer Ather launched the Rizta S 3.7kWh in early July 2025. This new variant is an important addition to Ather's electric scooter lineup. There has been no change in its design and features. Let's know about it in detail.

It has been introduced with an increased battery pack and improved range. It carries a bigger 3.7kWh battery pack. Previously, this battery was used to be seen only in the 450X. With this enhancement, the IDC-certified range has grown from 115 km of the 450S 2.9 to 161 km. This is a huge relief for customers who have been searching for an electric scooter with an extended range.

There has been no alteration in the Ather 450S's performance. It retains its 5.4kW electric motor that produces 22Nm of torque. This electric scooter goes from 0 to 40 kmph in 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 90 kmph. It features four ride modes: Smart Eco, Eco, Ride, and Sport, which are appropriate for various riding situations.

Apart from giving the battery update to the Ather 450S, everything else is the same as before. There has been no change in its design and features. It also gets the same 7-inch LCD dash as before, with features like turn-by-turn navigation, hill-hold, fall safe, and support for Atherstack OTA software updates.

This new variant of the Ather 450S has been launched at an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.46 lakh. It is Rs 16,000 more expensive than the 450S 2.9. The company is also offering the Ather Eight70 warranty package to those who buy it, which covers the battery for 8 years or 80,000 km, with a minimum 70 percent battery health guaranteed. Deliveries will begin in August 2025, and bookings are now open online and at Ather dealerships.

Bengaluru Stampede: Inquiry Commission finds Chinnaswamy Stadium unsafe for big events

 

Bengaluru Stampede: Inquiry Commission finds Chinnaswamy Stadium unsafe for big events

The Karnataka government-appointed Justice John Michael D'Cunha Commission has ruled the Chinnaswamy Stadium as 'unsuitable and unsafe' for public usage. This has also put a cloud of uncertainty around certain high-profile matches like the Women's World Cup matches that will be played later this year.

The inaugural and concluding matches of the ICC Women's World Cup are to be hosted at the Chinnaswamy Stadium later this year. This statement and its acceptance by the state government can have a significant bearing on those matches.

The single-member commission was established by the state government following 11 deaths and several injuries in a stampede when crowds of people had gathered near the stadium to welcome RCB's first IPL championship.

The commission said, "The design and structure of the stadium is unsuitable and unsafe for a large number of spectators. The commission recommends that the stadium authorities consider shifting events that are expected to draw large crowds to venues that are better suited to accommodate large numbers of spectators." The commission has also recommended legal action, while DNA has filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court against the commission's findings.

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Hafele’s Slim Aluminium Profiles for Furniture Lighting

 

New Delhi [India], April 21: Furniture profile lights offer seamless illumination for showcases, bookshelves, wardrobes, bar units, study units, etc. by blending into the design and providing focused, glare-free lighting. Recessed mounted within the panels, these profiles do not obstruct the functionality and enhance the aesthetics of these spaces.

Hafele’s new Slim Aluminium Profiles for furniture lighting have been crafted to meet diverse lighting needs while maintaining a minimalist and elegant appeal. With a compact design, these profiles ensure seamless integration, even into smaller furniture spaces like showcases and are available in two designs – symmetric and asymmetric. Hafele’s Slim Aluminium Profiles cater to various lighting requirements – Symmetric profiles provide uniform illumination, making them ideal for task lighting in study units and bookshelves or as decorative lighting on cabinet panels, while the asymmetric profiles direct light at a specific angle, perfect for accent lighting or highlighting objects kept in showcases. Built using high-quality aluminium, these profiles offer excellent durability and efficient heat dissipation, ensuring long-lasting performance. These profiles are available in the premium finishes of black and silver, blending effortlessly with contemporary interiors. The high- quality diffusers that come with the profiles ensure seamless light output by softening the light effect and reducing harsh shadows.

With 10 years guarantee*, Hafele’s Slim Aluminium Profiles offer a hassle-free furniture lighting solution that withstands the test of time.

Established as a wholly owned subsidiary of Hafele Global network, Hafele India has been operating in India since 2003. An authority in the field of architectural hardware, furniture and kitchen fittings and accessories, the company also has a strong presence in synergized product categories like Home Appliances, Interior and Furniture Lighting, Sanitary Solutions, and Surfaces positioning itself as a complete solution provider for interior solutions in India and South Asia. Hafele India has a strong nation-wide presence through its offices and design showrooms spread across the country. The showrooms function as a one-stop-shop for all home interior and improvement needs – from providing in-depth technical advice to kitchen and wardrobe designing services through a team of experts.

Log onto hafeleindia.com/en/info to find the nearest

Hafele showroom or design centre.

• Website: hafeleindia.com
• Customer Care Toll Free: 1800 266 6667
• Customer Care WhatsApp: +91 97691 11122
• Customer Care Email ID:customercare@hafeleindia.com

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Namibia was awarded the hosting of the ODI World Cup for the first time; ICC gave associate teams membership to 2 new countries

 

Namibia was awarded the hosting of the ODI World Cup for the first time; ICC gave associate teams membership to 2 new countries

The ICC awarded the England and Wales Cricket Board hosting rights for the WTC Final of the 2027, 2029, and 2031 editions following its successful experience in the staging of the World Test Championship Final. Besides this, Namibia was awarded the hosting of the ODI World Cup for the first time, which will be co-hosted with South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The International Cricket Council has initiated a significant programme to help Afghan-origin displaced women cricketers, for which these players are being offered cricketing and personal development assistance. The programme is being executed under the umbrella of ICC Vice President Imran Khwaja, along with the Board of Control for Cricket in India, England & Wales Cricket Board, and Cricket Australia.

The programme aims to provide high-performance, domestic playing opportunities and support through participation in major ICC global events, including the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 in India and the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in England. The ICC reiterated its previous position regarding USA Cricket and confirmed that USA Cricket must undertake comprehensive administrative reforms, including the completion of free and fair elections within a period of three months.

Two new members joined the ICC family, taking the total number of members to 110. The Timor-Leste Cricket Federation and the Zambia Cricket Association formally became ICC Associate Members. The ICC AGM has also formally adopted the Auditor's Report as well as the ICC Group's Annual Report and Audited Accounts for the year 2024.

AU Jaipur Marathon 2026 Poster Unveiled at the Iconic House of Commons, London

 

AU Jaipur Marathon 2026 Poster Unveiled at the Iconic House of Commons, London

Bharat Gaurav Awards platform gives India’s largest marathon a global stage

Jaipur: In a landmark moment for Indian sports and cultural diplomacy, the grand poster of the 17th edition of AU Jaipur Marathon 2026 was unveiled at the historic House of Commons in London during the prestigious Bharat Gaurav Awards, hosted by Sanskriti Yuva Sanstha. Widely hailed by international dignitaries and Indian diaspora leaders, this global launch elevated the marathon’s reputation as more than a race — a celebration of unity, wellness, and cultural pride.

Organized by World Trade Park and Sanskriti Yuva Sanstha, in association with AU Small Finance Bank, the AU Jaipur Marathon has grown to become India’s largest and one of Asia’s most prominent running festivals, completing 16 successful editions to date.

The poster was jointly unveiled by London MP Mr. Navendu Mishra, former MP-UK Mr. Virendra Sharma, Member of the House of Lords Mr. Rami Ranger, former Minister in the House of Lords Baroness Sandip Verma, Prayagraj Maha Kumbh advisor Mr. Rakesh Kumar Shukla, former Mayor of London Mr. Sunil Chopra, and President of Sanskriti Yuva Sanstha Pt. Suresh Mishra.

Speaking at the occasion, Pt. Suresh Mishra shared: “AU Jaipur Marathon is not just a sporting event it embodies India’s cultural richness, health consciousness, and global harmony. Launching its 17th edition at the world’s most iconic democratic venue marks a proud milestone in our journey to connect people across borders, mindsets, and missions.”

Scheduled for February 1, 2026, the AU Jaipur Marathon’s international announcement signifies a new era — an India that runs forward, connects wider, and celebrates louder.

Registration Now Open:

Mr. Mukesh Mishra, Director of IIEMR and CEO of AU Jaipur Marathon, announced that registrations are live on the official website www.marathonjaipur.com. Early participants can avail an exclusive 50% discount, encouraging global fitness enthusiasts, amateur runners, and cultural ambassadors to join the movement.

The event was attended by a distinguished gathering of global changemakers and dignitaries including Mrs. Kiran Agarwal, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc and Founder of VOKA; Mr. Sunil Khetpalia, industrialist and philanthropist from Chennai; renowned poet, lyricist, and screenwriter Mr. Manoj Muntashir; international folk icon and Padma Shri awardee Gulabo Sapera; British Army officer Major Munish Chauhan; leading cardiologist and Padma awardee Dr. Tejas Patel; CA Chandrashekhar Sharda; entrepreneur Mr. Praveen Chandan; social leader Mr. Shreekumar Toshniwal; Mrs. Shalini Rajendra Kumar Setia from SK Finance Ltd.; Mrs. Ranju Alex, Vice President at Marriott International; tech entrepreneurs Mr. Vishnu Appadu, Mr. Rajveer Singh, and Mr. Harbir Singh Natt; social worker and former MP candidate Mrs. Sanjana Karanani; Padma Shri awardee and fashion designer Madhav Agasti; young entrepreneurs Mr. Mayank Shah, Mr. Lalit Dua, and Mr. Ashish Mittal; Mr. Varun Sheth, Co-Founder and CEO of Ketto.org; Mr. Ajit Narayan, Head of Aviation Finance at Investec Bank, London; and international spiritual leader from Indonesia, Dr. I Made Dharma Yasa.

Meet the Man Behind ‘Hum Dharti Putra Bihari Hai’: Shambhu Shikhar Opens The Mish Mash Podcast with Laughter, Legacy & Heart

 

Meet the Man Behind ‘Hum Dharti Putra Bihari Hai’: Shambhu Shikhar Opens The Mish Mash Podcast with Laughter, Legacy & Heart

 

India’s pop culture just got a bold new upgrade — say hello to The Mish Mash Podcast. It’s real, raw, and refreshingly unpredictable. Hosted by the effortlessly charming Manish Mishra, this no-rules, no-holds-barred show is designed for deep dives with India’s most colorful creators, artists, and outliers. And what a debut it is — featuring none other than the powerhouse of poetry and satire, Shambhu Shikhar.

If you’ve heard the iconic lines “Hum Dharti Putra Bihari Hai”, you’ve felt the fire this man brings to the stage. But who is the man behind the viral verses?

In this inaugural episode, Shambhu peels back the layers and gives us a rare glimpse into the journey that turned a small-town boy from Bihar into one of the most recognizable faces in the Kavi Sammelan circuit — and beyond. It’s a story of grit, grace, and good old-fashioned gumption.

From Mockery to Mastery

Growing up, Shambhu often found himself at the receiving end of casual mockery — just for being “Bihari.” But instead of letting the stereotypes define him, he chose to flip the narrative. His roots became his rhythm. His identity, his power. What began with school elocution contests evolved into a powerful poetic voice that today echoes in auditoriums around the world.

He’s now performed in over 38 countries, including the USA, Vietnam, Dubai, Bahrain, and many more — carrying Indian poetry with him like a badge of honor.

His journey? Far from linear.

From the stage of SAB TV’s Wah! Wah! Kya Baat Hai! to becoming a semi-finalist on The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, Shambhu has seen it all — the highs, the setbacks, and the moments of magic in between.

A Conversation That Hits Home

In the episode, Manish Mishra does what great hosts do best — he listens, he laughs, and he lets the guest lead. The result is a conversation that feels more like a cozy chai session with an old friend rather than a structured interview. Shambhu shares childhood memories, behind-the-scenes stories from his TV days, and the incredible experiences of performing at iconic venues like Delhi’s Red Fort.

But it’s not just the stories — it’s the way he tells them. There’s humor, sure, but also a palpable pride in his journey. A resilience born from being underestimated. A calm, unshakeable confidence that comes from knowing exactly who you are.

Poetry That Gives You Goosebumps

Throughout the episode, Shambhu treats listeners to spontaneous recitations of his poetry — and each one lands like a punch to the heart. His words are more than just rhymes — they’re stories, they’re memories, they’re declarations of self-worth and cultural pride.

One such poem that takes center stage is:

“Hum Shramanayak hain Bharat ke,

Aur medha ke avtaari hain.

Hum sau par bhaari ek padey,

Hum dharti putra Bihari hain.

Vedon ke kitne bandh rache,

Humne Gayatri chhand rache.

Sahitya-sarit ki dhaara mein,

Kitne hi kavya prabandh rache.

Hum Dinkar-Renu-Banabhatta,

Vidyapati aur Bhikhari hain.

Hum dharti putra Bihari hain,

Hum dharti putra Bihari hain.”

Lines like these stay with you long after the episode ends — not just for their lyrical quality, but for the emotion behind them.

A Promising Start to Something Special

With this episode, The Mish Mash Podcast firmly announces itself as more than just entertainment. It’s a space for real talk — where creators come to unpack their stories, not just their successes. Where laughter meets legacy. Where identities are not erased, but celebrated.

And Manish Mishra? He’s the perfect guide — someone who knows how to steer a conversation with both heart and humor.

If this first episode is anything to go by, The Mish Mash Podcast isn’t just a podcast. It’s an experience. One that’ll make you smile, maybe tear up a little, and definitely leave you wanting more.

So plug in, press play, and get ready — this mishmash of voices, stories, and spirit is just getting started.