Team India turns its focus to the eagerly anticipated T20I portion of their journey down under after a fierce ODI series. With a thrilling five-match T20I series against Australia, Suryakumar Yadav’s team continues to prepare for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after winning the Asia Cup 2025 handily last month.

In the action-packed matches, which will take place in Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Gold Coast, and Brisbane, Australia, the defending world champions hope to defeat the Mitchell Marsh-led Aussies, who they defeated in a pivotal Super 8 match in the Caribbean last summer and eliminated from contention for the coveted trophy.

The team’s management would be concerned about Hardik Pandya’s absence, though, as even backup all-rounder Nitish Reddy is dealing with similar injury issues. In the crucial absence of captain Pat Cummins and now-retired Mitchell Starc, Australia’s bowling resources will be strengthened by the arrival of star quick Josh Hazlewood for the opening two games.

The return of pace leader Jasprit Bumrah for the series will strengthen India’s team. According to former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, the veteran speedster will have an excellent opportunity to declare his return to the limited-overs format following the Asia Cup under Australian conditions.

Abhishek Sharma, the top-ranked T20I batsman, Shubman Gill, and Tilak Varma, the top-ranked batsman, are among India’s top three. In addition, India’s skipper, Suryakumar Yadav, is ranked in the top 10 for T20I batting.

He believes that in this five-match T20I series, touring captain Suryakumar Yadav’s batting style will be aided by the pace and bounce of the Australian conditions, allowing him to reclaim his form.

For many of our young players, this T20I series in Australia will be a big test because it will be their first time playing T20 International cricket in such conditions against a squad of this caliber.

Even while the setting is different from what players will experience in the World Cup, it offers a new challenge and a great chance for new heroes to rise to the occasion.

With runs under their belts, it’s an opportunity for a number of players to step up, boost their confidence, and develop momentum,” he said.

Dates, Timings and Venues

1st T20I, Oct. 29 – Manuka Oval, Canberra
2nd T20I, Oct. 31 – Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
3rd T20I, Nov. 2 – Bellerive Oval, Hobart
4th T20I, Nov. 6 – Bell Pippen Oval, Gold Coast
5th T20I, Nov. 8 – The Gabba, Brisbane

The India-Australia T20I series will start with all five of its games at 1:45 p.m. IST. In light of this, the toss for each of the five fixtures is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. IST.

India Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (VC), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar.

Australia Squad: Mitchell Marsh (C), Sean Abbott (games 1-3), Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman (games 3-5), Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis (games 4-5), Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood (games 1-2), Glenn Maxwell (games 3-5), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (WK), Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe (WK), Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

Researchers from Canada have discovered that examining the small blood vessels in the eyes can assist determine a person’s biological aging rate and heart disease risk.

Retinal scans may one day provide a noninvasive window into the body’s overall vascular health and biological ageing state, according to a study published in the journal Science Advances. This would open up new avenues for early identification and intervention.

“We have discovered molecular pathways that help explain how aging affects the vascular system by connecting retinal scans, genetics, and blood biomarkers,” said Marie Pigeyre, an associate professor at the Department of Medicine at McMaster University in Canada.

“The eye offers a special, non-invasive perspective on the circulatory system of the body. Pigeyre continued, “Changes in the retinal blood vessels frequently reflect changes in the body’s tiny vessels.

The researchers analyzed blood samples, genetic information, and retinal scans from more than 74,000 volunteers to carry out the study.

It was shown that those with simpler, fewer branched blood capillaries had a higher risk of cardiovascular illnesses and displayed biological aging symptoms including increased inflammation and a shorter lifetime.

Many tests are currently needed to evaluate age-related illnesses such dementia, heart disease, and stroke. Retinal scans alone may one day be a rapid, easily accessible method of evaluating cardiovascular risk and aging. But additional study is required.

The group also looked at genetic information and blood biomarkers to find possible biological reasons for alterations in the blood vessels in the eye. This enabled them to pinpoint two proteins—MMP12 and IgG-Fc receptor IIb—that may be responsible for aging and disease.

Both proteins are associated with vascular aging and inflammation. Future medications may target these proteins, according to Pigeyre.

“Our findings point to potential drug targets for slowing vascular ageing, reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases, and ultimately improving lifespan,” she stated.

According to a study, social isolation and loneliness can increase the chance of mortality from cancer and all causes among people who already have the disease.

A group of Canadian researchers lead by those from the University of Toronto discovered that loneliness is rather widespread among cancer patients after pooling data from 13 studies with over 15 lakh participants.

After controlling for small sample sizes, a pooled data analysis revealed that loneliness was linked to an 11% increased chance of dying from cancer, according to nine studies that examined the possible impact of loneliness on cancer death for 2,142,338 patients.

The researchers’ article, which was published online in the open-access journal BMJ Oncology, stated that “these findings collectively suggest that loneliness and social isolation may influence cancer outcomes beyond traditional biological and treatment-related factors.”

After investigating the causes, the researchers discovered that loneliness and social isolation raise the risk of death for cancer patients through a network of interrelated behavioral, psychological, and biological processes.

“Biologically, the stress response triggered by loneliness may lead to immune dysregulation and heightened inflammatory activity, ultimately contributing to disease progression,” the investigators stated.

However, the distinct burden of cancer survival frequently consists of isolation that is directly related to the illness and the experience of treatment. This includes the stigma surrounding obvious treatment side effects, the incapacity of loved ones to completely comprehend cancer-related anxiety, and anxieties related to survivability, all of which have an impact on the psychosocial well-being of cancer patients.

Long-term medicalization of life can weaken pre-illness identity and community ties, and cancer treatment can also cause physical changes like fatigue and cognitive impairments that may further restrict social participation.

To enhance outcomes, the researchers added, it would be necessary to regularly integrate psychosocial assessments and focused therapies into cancer care if the results are validated in additional methodologically sound trials.

An worrying animal study revealed that SARS-CoV-2 infection in fathers prior to conception can produce alterations in sperm, affecting children’s brain development and behavior and raising the likelihood of anxiety later on. This is in contrast to the well-established long-term consequences of Covid-19 infection on the brain.

According to research that was published in the journal Nature Communications, COVID-19 may have a lasting impact on generations to come. Male mice exposed to particular environmental and lifestyle factors—such as a poor diet prior to mating—may alter the behavior and brain development of their progeny.

Lead researcher Professor Anthony Hannan of the University of Melbourne’s Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health in Australia explained, “This is because the father’s experiences can alter the information carried in sperm, including specific RNA molecules, which transmit instructions for offspring development.”

The goal of the current study was to see whether the Covid virus would affect sperm RNA and the progeny in a similar way.

Before mating with healthy female mice, the scientists allowed male mice to recuperate from SARS-CoV-2 infection for a few weeks.

Compared to children of fathers who were not sick, the children had more worried behaviors.

All children whose fathers have COVID-19 showed more signs of anxiousness. The hippocampal region of the female offspring’s brain, which is crucial for anxiety, depression, and other emotional behaviors, also showed notable alterations in certain gene activity.

“These kinds of changes in the hippocampus, as well as other brain regions, may contribute to the increased anxiety we observed in offspring, via epigenetic inheritance and altered brain development,” said Carolina Gubert, a researcher at the Institute.

Subsequent examination of the sperm RNA from the infected fathers revealed that Covid had changed a number of molecules, including some that regulate genes thought to be crucial for brain development.

“If our findings translate to humans, this could impact millions of children worldwide, and their families, with major implications for public health,” Hannan said, urging further study.

A recent research by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) found that the use of AI technology is expanding quickly in India across a range of user industries, changing company operations, regulatory responses, and competition dynamics.

Although the introduction of AI has brought about significant improvements in productivity, creativity, and customer satisfaction, the study pointed out that new problems are starting to arise that could affect competition either directly or indirectly and prevent AI from reaching its full potential.

It looked closely at each of these elements and reviewed how legal and regulatory frameworks in India and other countries have changed to keep up with the quick development of artificial intelligence.

In order to comprehend AI markets and ecosystems, identify new and possible competition issues, and examine current and developing regulatory frameworks governing AI systems, the Management Development Institute Society (MDIS) conducted a report titled “Market Study on Artificial Intelligence and Competition.”

To provide a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the various objectives, the study used both primary and secondary research methods, such as database analysis, semi-structured and structured interviews, stakeholder surveys, and literature reviews.

“The study has contributed to the collection of valuable information and insights regarding the structure of the AI ecosystem, market trends, AI application in user industries, possible competition issues in the AI industry and user industries, and other pertinent aspects,” the CCI stated.

The paper suggests several actions to safeguard consumer welfare, stop AI-driven anti-competitive behavior, and encourage the growth of a competitive AI ecosystem in India.

In order to achieve this, CCI will engage with international competition authorities and multilateral competition platforms, organize a conference on “AI and regulatory issues” in collaboration with pertinent stakeholders, hold targeted advocacy workshops on “AI and Competition Compliance,” concentrate on enhancing its technical capabilities and infrastructure, establish a think tank to share knowledge on issues pertaining to digital markets with a particular focus on AI, and take action to encourage inter-regulatory coordination.

Businesses are encouraged to implement transparency measures to lessen information asymmetry and to incorporate self-audit of AI systems for competition compliance in order to guarantee responsible autonomy while shielding markets from distortions. This will enable businesses to proactively identify and address possible competition concerns.

Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is a significant Hindu holiday commemorating the triumph of good over evil.

For devotees of Lord Ram and Maa Durga, this auspicious day, which symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, has profound cultural and spiritual importance.

President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to attend the Dussehra festivities in Delhi’s Madhav Das Park, Red Fort. The IP Extension Ramlila Committee is hosting Dussehra celebrations in the nation’s capital, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend.

Droupadi Murmu, the president of India, extended her greetings and wrote on a social platform, “On the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all fellow citizens,”.

In addition, PM Narendra Modi writes on social media platform X, “Vijaya Dashami celebrates the triumph of good and righteousness over evil and falsehood,” wishing everyone a happy Vijaya Dashami. May our roads always be paved with bravery, discernment, and dedication. Greetings on Vijaya Dashami to my fellow Indians.

In an effort to wish their followers a happy and prosperous Dussehra, Film superstars have gone to social media.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan offered a thought-provoking statement on the occasion of Dussehra that combined the spirit of the celebration with traditional wisdom.

“May the victory of good over evil be ever blessed in our lives and in the lives of all humanity. May this Dussehra bring all the happiness and joy you deserve .. prosper, bring accolades , progress and the good for all… Kind of contrary to the above and the teachings of Chanakya .. but so be it .. Life itself is filled with contrary elements …. Such a delight to be in Life’s Company .. be well .. be in care .. and in love.” Big B wrote on his blog.

Bollywood actor Sunny Deol took to social media to wish everyone on the occasion of Dussehra. He shared a heartfelt message about embracing kindness, courage, and compassion. He took to his Instagram stories and shared his greeting, “Happy Dussehra, this Dussehra, lets burn away the negativity within us and light up with kindness, courage, and compassion. #HappyDussehra.”

Veteran actor Anupam Kher tweeted, “Heartfelt Dussehra wishes and congratulations to all of you! May Lord Ram’s blessings always be upon you! Jai Shri Ram! HappyDussehra.”

Taking to his X handle, Akshay  Kumar wrote in Hindi, “Heartfelt wishes to all of you on the occasion of Vijayadashami! Always keep walking on the path of truth and goodness.”

Extending his wishes, Randeep Hooda wrote, “On this auspicious day, let’s remember: evil may look powerful, but it never lasts. Goodness & Truth always finds its way back. Happy Dussehra.”

Telugu star Allu Arjun is celebrating Dussehra and took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and shared a creative wishing his followers.

He wrote, “Wishing everyone a Happy Dussehra filled with triumph, happiness, and prosperity #Happy Dussehra”.

The World Heart Federation (WHF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) decided on September 29 as the date for World Heart Day celebrations when the event was first held in 1999 and formally commemorated in 2000.

In order to battle the world’s top cause of death, the day was created to increase awareness of cardiovascular diseases and encourage heart-healthy lifestyles. In order to establish a recurring yearly campaign, the date was moved from the last Sunday of September to September 29 starting in 2011.

With the theme “Don’t Miss a Beat,” the World Heart Federation and World Health Organization commemorate the 25th World Heart Day today, highlighting the fact that 80% of heart disease and stroke cases can be avoided by adopting healthier lifestyle choices including exercising, eating a balanced diet, and giving up smoking.

While the Philippines reports 143,486 CVD deaths in 2023, authorities in India, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, encourage routine checkups in the face of a 30% increase in heart attacks among those under 40.

The goal of global programs is to increase access to cardiac care for 500 million additional individuals by 2030 through screenings, workshops, and awareness campaigns.

Early deaths from CVD are causing loved ones all across the world to miss out on time they should still spend together. For this reason, on September 29, we shall proclaim to the world: Don’t Miss a Beat.

In the WHO South-East Asia Region, eight individuals pass away from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) every minute. According to Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major cause of death in the region, with half of these deaths occurring before the age of 70.

Hypertension, diabetes, alcohol and tobacco use, poor diets heavy in fat and salt, and sedentary lifestyles are major risk factors for CVDs.

She also pointed out shortcomings that impede progress, including insufficient financial and regulatory measures, lax policy enforcement, and inadequate oversight of the prohibitions on unhealthy commodities’ marketing, packaging, and advertising.

Amit Shah, the Home Minister, said on X, “On #WorldHeartDay may we all pledge to keep our hearts healthy with regular exercise and a balanced diet to gift ourselves and our loved ones happier lives” .

“On #WorldHeartDay, let’s unite to promote a heart-healthy community by embracing mindful lifestyle choices that protect our hearts today and for years to come,” the Ministry of Health stated on X.

Deputy Chief Minister- Karnataka, DK Shivakumar said on X, “#WorldHeartDay reminds us to care for this most vital part of our lives and make health a priority for ourselves and our society. Small steps like regular exercise, balanced food, and stress-free living can go a long way in keeping our hearts healthy. Let us value every heartbeat and protect it with conscious choices.”

On World Heart Day, there is a chance to spark global dialogue and involvement by utilizing compelling narratives to increase awareness of heart health issues. Use a collection of Don’t Miss a Beat resources to personalize World Heart Day.

In the 17th Asia Cup, India is playing its first Twenty20 International since defeating England 4-1 at home in January.

Additionally, it provides India with a vital platform for preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will be hosted in India and Sri Lanka and in which they will compete as the reigning champions.In the UAE, the Asia Cup 2025 will take place from September 9 to September 28. Dubai and Abu Dhabi will host each of the 19 games.

The senior team of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who declared their T20I retirements following last year’s World Cup victory, will not be participating in the Men in Blue’s first big competition. Prior to the England tour, the prolific duo also ended their Test careers, limiting their international presence to the ODI format.

At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India will play their first Group A match against the United Arab Emirates on September 10 and then Pakistan on September 14. On September 19, a match versus Oman will be place at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.

The last time we saw Rohit and Kohli wearing the Indian shirt was during their March ICC Champions Trophy championship run.

Afghanistan will play Hong Kong China in Group B at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi in the continental opener.

The match officials’ crew for the competition will be led by seasoned referees Andy Pycroft and Richie Richardson. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) stated on Monday that the Super Four match officials list and tournament final match officials list will be revealed later.

Asif Yaqoob (Pakistan), Faisal Afridi (Pakistan), Gazi Sohel (Bangladesh), Izatullah Safi (Afghanistan), Masudur Rahman (Bangladesh), Raveendra Wimalasiri (Sri Lanka), Rohan Pandit (India), Ruchira Palliyaguruge (Sri Lanka), Virender Sharma (India), and Ahmad Pakteen (Afghanistan) are among the umpires scheduled to oversee the competition.

The Asian Cricket Council hosts a cricket competition every two years called the Men’s Asia Cup. The senior men’s national cricket teams of Asian members compete in the tournament, which determines the Awi of Asia continental champion.

India is the tournament’s most successful team with eight titles (seven ODI and one T20I). With six titles, Sri Lanka is the second-most successful team, while Pakistan has two. India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have each played in 15 Asia Cups, while Sri Lanka has played in 16 of them.

The two locations for the matches will be Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi and Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. There are two groups of the eight participating countries:
Group A
India
Oman
Pakistan
UAE

Group B
Afghanistan
Hongkong
Bangladesh
SriLanka

According to fresh data issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) , over 1 crore people worldwide suffer from a mental health illness, with women making up over 53% of those affected.

According to the WHO’s World Mental Health Today and Mental Health Atlas 2024 reports, mental health disorders like depression and anxiety have a significant negative impact on people’s lives and the economy. They also advocated for increased funding and action to expand services that support and enhance people’s mental health.

According to WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, “transforming mental health services is one of the most pressing public health challenges.”

“Investing in mental health is an investment that no nation can afford to overlook because it benefits individuals, communities, and economies. It is the duty of every government and leader to take swift action and guarantee that mental health care is regarded as a fundamental human right rather than a privilege, he continued.

According to the reports, the most prevalent mental health conditions in both men and women are anxiety and depressive disorders. But altogether, women are disproportionately affected.

In total, 581.5 million women and 513.9 million men suffer from a mental illness.

Pregnant women and women in the year following childbirth were shown to have a high prevalence of mental problems, which frequently had detrimental effects on both mothers and infants. Depression affects over 10% of pregnant women and women in the year following childbirth worldwide. This number is thought to be significantly greater in low- and medium-income countries (LMICs), according to the reports.

The survey also revealed that suicide is still a terrible consequence, with an anticipated 727,000 deaths in 2021 alone. It is a major cause of death for youth in all nations and socioeconomic backgrounds, and there hasn’t been enough success in lowering the suicide mortality rate.

Only 12% of the one-third reduction in suicide rates that is intended to be accomplished by 2030 will really be accomplished.

Furthermore, mental health illnesses have a tremendous economic cost because they cause lost productivity. According to the WHO report, anxiety and depression alone cost the world economy $1 trillion annually.

According to the 2024 Mental Health Atlas, just 45% of nations assessed their laws to be fully compliant with international human rights norms, and fewer nations have enacted or implemented rights-based mental health legislation.

The study also found that funding for mental health has stagnated, which is troubling. Since 2017, the median government spending on mental health has remained at just 2% of total health budgets, with low-income nations paying as little as $0.

The World Health Organization urged governments to step up their efforts immediately to improve mental health systems around the globe.

This entails maintaining investment in the mental health workforce, expanding community-based, person-centered treatment, reforming laws and policies to protect human rights, and equitably providing mental health services.

A wholesome snack valued for its health advantages, Makhana—also referred to as fox nuts or lotus seeds—has grown in popularity. Makhana, which is low in calories and abundant in dietary fiber, is frequently referred to as a superfood.

For ages, these crunchy white seeds—which are derived from the aquatic plant Euryale Fox—have been a traditional staple in many civilizations. Currently, their remarkable nutritional worth is acknowledged around.

Makhana, which is high in vital minerals and antioxidants, promotes heart health, facilitates digestion, and helps control weight. Because of its adaptability, it may be eaten roasted, in sweets, or just as a nutritious snack, making it a convenient and healthful option.

Additionally, makhana has a low glycemic index, which aids in the natural regulation of blood sugar levels, and is gluten-free, making it perfect for people with gluten intolerance.

Makhana is a nutrient-dense food that contains a variety of proteins, carbs, flavonoids, polyphenols, and vital minerals. Especially noteworthy:

• Packed with antioxidants: Flavonoids such as kaempferol and other polyphenols have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
• Low in calories: Makhana is a filling snack that is ideal for weight control because it doesn’t contain too many calories.
• Rich in dietary fiber: Fiber makes you feel fuller longer, assists with digestion, and speeds up your metabolism.
• Having a low glycemic index makes it a great meal option for controlling blood sugar levels.

The growing popularity of makhana as a heart-healthy and metabolism-friendly snack can be attributed to these qualities taken together.

Benefits of Makhana consumption for health

Aids in heart health
Heart disease-causing oxidative stress and inflammation are lessened by makhana’s antioxidants. Frequent consumption may increase HDL and decrease LDL, improving cardiovascular health and lowering the risk of hypertension and atherosclerosis.

Helps with weight control
Makhana’s high fiber content and low calorie content help suppress hunger and encourage fullness, which can lower daily caloric intake. When incorporated into a balanced diet, this satiating effect promotes an improvement in metabolic rate and can help with successful weight loss.

Helps control blood sugar levels
Makhana is a good snack choice for diabetics because of its low glycemic index, which raises blood sugar levels gradually. It can be eaten as roasted seeds in between meals or, in moderation, added to nutritious desserts with natural sweeteners like dates or jaggery.

Supports the health of the digestive system
Makhana’s high fiber content helps maintain a healthy digestive system by promoting regular bowel movements and warding off constipation. It can improve metabolism in general and intestinal health in particular.

Also read: Even nutritious processed foods might not be beneficial to your weight loss efforts

Who should refrain from consuming makhana?
Even though makhana (fox nuts) provide many health advantages, some people should use caution when taking them. Certain medical issues may necessitate restricting intake in order to prevent negative effects, according to reliable sources.

People who are at risk for kidney stones
Oxalates, which are found in makhana, have the potential to cause kidney stones. Because oxalates may decrease the absorption of calcium and magnesium, people who have a history of kidney stones or are predisposed to them should limit their intake to prevent elevated risks.

People who are prone to allergies
Allergy reactions in those who are sensitive to nuts and seeds can range from minor rashes and itching to severe anaphylaxis. If you have any allergies, stay away from makhana or introduce it carefully.

People who suffer from intestinal ailments
High-fiber foods like makhana may be difficult for people with digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to digest, which could exacerbate symptoms like gas, bloating, or pain in the abdomen.

People who have excessive levels of uric acid or gout
Makhana has moderate amounts of purines, which are substances that can raise the body’s uric acid levels. It is advised that people who are prone to gout or hyperuricemia restrict their intake of purines, which includes consuming less makhana.

Individuals using blood thinners
Excessive consumption of makhana may interfere with blood-thinning drugs like warfarin because of its vitamin K concentration, which is involved in blood coagulation. Before taking such medications on a regular basis, people should speak with their healthcare practitioners.

Adding makhana to your diet: A guide

Makhana is adaptable and has several ways to be enjoyed:

Snack with a hint of salt and spices: A crispy, nutritious snack is made from lightly toasted makhana.

Desserts and puddings: Makhana can be made into a healthy dessert choice by adding natural sweeteners like dates or jaggery to it.

When used as a garnish, roasted makhana adds texture and nutrients to soups and salads.

When making stir-fries and curries: For an added crunch and nutritional boost, it can be used to a variety of recipes.