Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, who is visiting India with a delegation of more than 30 professionals from higher education and advanced technology, said on Wednesday that he held “very, very productive meetings” on quantum technology, photonics, aerospace and defence technology.

“We’re looking for business-to-business collaboration so that we can produce better products and expand economic opportunities for both India and the United States,” Gianforte told.

Gianforte identified quantum technology and photonics as two of the most promising areas for cooperation between India and Montana.

“Some of the most exciting areas for us on this trip are the work being done here in India and in Montana in quantum technology and photonics. We’re having university-to-university discussions and private-sector-to-private-sector discussions,” he said.

The Montana Governor said India has developed significant expertise in quantum technology and photonics, which also remain key areas of focus in Montana.

“We’re looking for university-to-university collaboration on research. We have institutions in Montana that spend hundreds of millions of dollars on research in these areas that are of interest to both India and the United States,” he said.

Gianforte also highlighted opportunities for private-sector collaboration. He pointed to the aerospace sector as an example, noting that India operates a large number of Boeing aircraft while Montana-based companies manufacture parts for those aircraft.

“So, collaboration is a great opportunity,” he said.

He also identified precision agriculture as another potential area of cooperation, as technology can help farmers increase productivity.

“Precision agriculture is another area where technology is helping our farmers become more productive. We also have the dean of our School of Agriculture with us on this trip, and I think we’re going to uncover some great opportunities for collaboration,” Gianforte said.

Montana Delegation Explores Multiple Sectors

Gianforte said the trade mission includes 36 members and focuses on sectors where Montana and India share common interests.

“Let me talk specifically about what we’re trying to accomplish on this trade mission. Again, we have 36 individuals with us. We’re looking at areas of common interest, including aerospace, defence technology, precision agriculture and bioscience,” he said.

The Governor also stressed the importance of strengthening India-US trade ties. He said US Ambassador Sergio Gor had assured him that India and the United States were close to finalising a bilateral trade deal.

Gianforte said Montana wants stronger and more predictable trade relations with India, particularly in agriculture.

“India values its farmers very highly, as it should. We value our farmers in the United States very highly as well. We’ve seen great fluctuations in the purchasing of pulse crops in India. We want to have long-term relationships,” he said.

“Particularly in Montana, relationships are important. So, getting this trade deal done, with reciprocal and fair trade, is really essential for us to continue to expand and deepen the relationship between our two countries,” Gianforte added.

Trade Certainty Key to Deeper Economic Ties

Gianforte said businesses in both countries need certainty to invest and build long-term economic partnerships.

He stressed that completing an India-US trade agreement would provide businesses with greater confidence and encourage deeper commercial ties.

“It’s important that the India-US trade deal gets done, as Indian businesses and American businesses need certainty. Without certainty, it becomes more difficult to build deep economic ties between the two countries,” he said.

“We need a reciprocal relationship that gives businesses confidence that we can do business with each other and that both sides are taken care of,” Gianforte added.

The Montana delegation’s visit aims to strengthen cooperation across technology, education, agriculture, aerospace, defence and bioscience while creating new opportunities for businesses and institutions in India and Montana.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences on Wednesday awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry to French chemist Henri B. Kagan and Japanese chemist Kenso Soai for their pioneering discoveries of non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.

The Academy honoured the two scientists for discoveries that helped solve a century-old mystery: how molecular asymmetry, or homochirality, emerged in nature.

Kagan and Soai will share a cash prize of 12 million Swedish kronor.

Many molecules, including amino acids, exist in two mirror-image forms. Although these variants share similar chemical properties, living organisms overwhelmingly use only one form.
Scientists have spent decades trying to understand how nature developed this remarkable selectivity.

According to the Nobel Committee, chemists traditionally produced equal amounts of both mirror-image molecules during laboratory synthesis. Kagan and Soai’s discoveries showed how chemical reactions can instead favour one molecular mirror image, producing it predominantly or even exclusively.

“Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai have provided a solution to a chemical mystery that is over a century old: how homochirality can emerge spontaneously. The chemical reactions they have developed are spectacular,” said Heiner Linke, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry.

Kagan made a major breakthrough in 1986 when he developed a new method for influencing chemical reactions. His approach enabled scientists to produce a much greater excess of one molecular mirror image than they had previously considered possible.

Soai built on Kagan’s work and demonstrated a groundbreaking chemical reaction in 1995 that could potentially become homochiral.

In 2003, Soai achieved another landmark result by demonstrating a reaction that produced only one of two possible mirror-image forms. Scientists had previously observed such selectivity only in biological systems.

The Academy said the laureates’ discoveries have significantly influenced modern chemistry, particularly pharmaceutical development. Drug manufacturers often need to produce the correct molecular mirror image because different forms can produce different effects in the human body.

Henri B. Kagan

Henri B. Kagan was born in 1930 in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. He earned his PhD from the Collège de France in 1960 and later became Professor Emeritus at the former Université Paris-Sud.

Kenso Soai

Kenso Soai was born in 1950 in Hiroshima, Japan. He received his PhD from the University of Tokyo in 1979 and later became Professor Emeritus at Tokyo University of Science.

The work of Kagan and Soai has helped scientists better understand how chemical systems can break symmetry and favour one molecular form over another, offering important insights into one of chemistry’s longstanding questions.

Veteran actor Nana Patekar, one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated performers, died at the age of 75 in Goa.

Manipal Hospital, Goa, officially confirmed the actor’s death. According to the hospital, Patekar was found unconscious at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa, and his family rushed him to the hospital. Doctors declared him dead on arrival.

The acclaimed actor built a remarkable body of work spanning more than four decades. He earned widespread recognition for his powerful performances in Hindi and Marathi cinema, along with his distinctive dialogue delivery and ability to portray complex and unconventional characters.

Born Vishwanath Patekar on January 1, 1951, in Maharashtra, Nana Patekar established himself as one of the most respected performers of his generation.

He made his Hindi film debut with Gaman in 1978 and gradually built a reputation for his intense screen presence and memorable performances.

Patekar gained major recognition with films such as Salaam Bombay! and Parinda. He later delivered acclaimed performances in Angaar, Tirangaa, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Yeshwant, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan and Raajneeti.

The actor also made a significant contribution to Marathi cinema and theatre. He ventured into filmmaking and made his directorial debut with Prahaar: The Final Attack in 1991.

Patekar also displayed his comic timing as Uday Shetty in the Welcome franchise. His portrayal became hugely popular, particularly among younger audiences.

His other notable films include Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Wajood, Hu Tu Tu, Gang, Deewangee, Bhoot, Welcome, Welcome Back, Natsamrat and The Vaccine War, among several others.

The government honoured Patekar with the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to cinema and the arts. During his distinguished career, he also won three National Film Awards and several other prestigious honours.

Beyond cinema, Patekar supported several social causes, particularly initiatives aimed at helping farmers and families affected by agrarian distress. Through the Naam Foundation, he contributed to water conservation and water-storage initiatives in rural Maharashtra and supported families of farmers who died by suicide.

Despite his stature in the film industry, Patekar maintained a relatively private life and largely stayed away from the spotlight.

Nitin Gadkari Pays Tribute

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari paid an emotional tribute to Patekar in Marathi and recalled their close friendship.

Gadkari wrote on X:

“The news of the demise of veteran actor Nana Patekar, a stalwart of Indian cinema, is extremely shocking and saddening. My heartfelt tribute to him. Nana and I shared a very close and friendly relationship. Through his powerful acting, Nana Patekar ruled the hearts of audiences for more than five decades through Marathi and Hindi films. With his distinctive style of dialogue delivery, he immortalised several characters in cinema and created an identity of his own. His passing is a great loss to Indian cinema.

“Through the Naam Foundation, his work in the fields of water conservation and water storage in the rural areas of Maharashtra has been remarkable and significant. The helping hand he extended to the families of farmers who died by suicide became a source of support for many families.

“Nana was not only a great artist and actor, but also a sensitive personality who cared deeply about society. May God grant peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti.”

Ravi Kishan Remembers Nana Patekar

Actor-politician Ravi Kishan expressed grief over Patekar’s death and highlighted his simplicity and humility.

Kishan wrote on Instagram:

“I was deeply saddened to hear the extremely tragic news of Nana Patekar Ji’s passing early this morning. Despite being a star, Nana Ji was always far removed from the trappings of stardom. He was one of the great artists of Indian cinema, known for his simplicity, humility and his down-to-earth personality.

“Even while living amidst the glitz and glamour of Mumbai, he never lost touch with his roots and values. I shared a close and warm relationship with Nana Ji. We would speak from time to time, and I learned a great deal from his acting, simplicity and perspective on life.”

Akshay Kumar Pays Tribute

Actor Akshay Kumar also remembered his work with Patekar in Welcome and Housefull 5.

Kumar wrote:

“Really saddened by the news of Nana ji’s passing. He was one of those rare actors who never needed to do too much to make you sit up and watch. That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance… he was completely his own.

“I feel fortunate that we got to work together in Welcome, and then again more recently in Housefull 5. There are so many memories from those sets that I’ll always hold close. Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It’s hard to believe you’re gone. Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say.”

Jr NTR Remembers the Veteran Actor

Telugu star Jr NTR expressed his grief and praised Patekar’s contribution to Indian cinema.

He wrote:

“Deeply saddened by the passing of Nana Patekar sir, one of Indian cinema’s finest actors. There was an unmistakable honesty and intensity in every character he portrayed. His performances never felt like acting, but life unfolding on screen. A remarkable artist whose contribution to Indian cinema will be remembered for generations. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti.”

Prabhu Deva Pays Tribute

Actor and director Prabhu Deva also expressed his grief on X.

He wrote:

“Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary actor Nana Patekar Sir. His powerful performances, remarkable talent and immense contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers.”

Prakash Raj Recalls His Bond With Nana

Actor Prakash Raj shared a personal tribute to Patekar and remembered their conversations and time together.

He wrote:

“Miss you my dear Nana ji… Will cherish the moments spent… conversations… arguments… the food you cooked… knowledge you shared. Thank you for coming into my life’s journey. RIP #nanapatekar.”

Suniel Shetty Calls Nana ‘One of a Kind’

Actor Suniel Shetty expressed shock over Patekar’s death and praised his honesty and individuality.

Shetty wrote:

“Absolutely shocking!!! They don’t make men like you anymore. So deeply rooted no matter how high you rose. Unapologetically yourself, fiercely honest and a master of your craft. There was only one Nana. There will never be another. Rest in peace Bhau… Cinema won’t be the same without you.”

Arjun Rampal Expresses Shock

Actor Arjun Rampal also expressed his shock over Patekar’s death.

He wrote:

“Devastated, shocked and deeply saddened to wake up to this news. Can’t believe it, this is a huge huge loss to the industry and to all of us, especially people who knew @iamnanapatekar sir personally, whose lives he touched.”

Boman Irani Remembers Nana’s Advice

Veteran actor Boman Irani described the news as difficult and painful while recalling Patekar’s regular advice about walking.

Irani said:

“Difficult, painful and emotional. I was on my morning walk when I received the sad call. Strangely, a morning walk was his regular advice for me. ‘Come on, Boman. Walk, walk,’ he always said.

“I’m heartbroken, but we should not let our sorrow obscure his contribution to cinema and theatre. Good man, no more. Will miss you, Nana. Will keep walking.”

Subhash Ghai Bids Goodbye

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai also paid tribute to Patekar and remembered his contribution to Marathi and Hindi cinema and theatre.

Ghai wrote:

“GOOD BYE NANA. MARATHI N HINDI CINEMA N STAGE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU. For being a real NUT SMRAAT ON SCREEN. A great friend without transactions. A most honest soul to yourself. A great cook at home like mother. A rare person and unique philosopher and philanthropist. We all loved you and shall love you for good. RIP.”

Rajinikanth Remembers His ‘Dear Friend’

Superstar Rajinikanth expressed shock over Patekar’s death and described him as a dear friend.

Rajinikanth wrote:

“I can’t believe my dear friend Nanaji is no longer with us. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.”

Manoj Bajpayee Pays Tribute

Actor Manoj Bajpayee also expressed shock and recalled how Patekar’s career inspired aspiring actors.

He wrote:

“Shocking! Still cannot believe Nana Patekar ji is no more. For so many of us who came to Mumbai hoping to find a place in films, his journey gave us hope. We have lost one of our finest actors. You will be deeply missed, Nana ji. Om Shanti.”

Manisha Koirala Remembers His Contribution

Actor Manisha Koirala also paid tribute to the veteran performer.

She said:

“Deeply saddened by the passing of a great actor, a remarkable presence and a true stalwart of the craft. His contribution to cinema and his dedication to his craft will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.”

Nana Patekar leaves behind a lasting legacy across Hindi and Marathi cinema, theatre and filmmaking. His distinctive performances, powerful dialogue delivery and commitment to socially relevant causes have left a lasting mark on Indian cinema.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra said on Wednesday that financial markets can behave irrationally in the short term and suggested that several indicators show the rupee may remain undervalued rather than overvalued.

Speaking at a post-policy press conference after the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, Malhotra said market perceptions and currency positioning do not always reflect a currency’s underlying value.

“Only in the long run are markets able to find the right value,” he said in response to a question about the continued depreciation bias reflected in currency surveys and hedging activity.

The RBI Governor pointed to several measures used to assess currency valuation, including the real effective exchange rate (REER), and said they indicate that the rupee does not look overvalued.

“By a number of estimates, including the REER, rupee is not overvalued, may be undervalued,” Malhotra said.

His remarks came as market participants continued to expect weakness in the rupee despite India’s ability to attract foreign capital inflows when required.

Analysts have also highlighted hedging patterns and currency forecasts that point to expectations of further depreciation in the domestic currency.

The comments followed the RBI’s latest monetary policy review, in which the MPC voted to raise the benchmark repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50 per cent.

The August 2026 policy review had marked the fourth consecutive meeting in which the central bank kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent and maintained its neutral stance.

The MPC had also kept rates unchanged in June, April and February 2026 after cutting the repo rate by 25 basis points in December 2025 to 5.25 per cent.

Before the December rate cut, the central bank had maintained the benchmark rate at 5.50 per cent in its October 2025 review.

Meanwhile, the MPC, led by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, announced a 25-basis-point increase in the key policy rate earlier on Wednesday, taking the repo rate to 5.50 per cent amid a challenging global environment.

The RBI also raised the standing deposit facility (SDF) rate to 5.25 per cent and increased the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and bank rate to 5.75 per cent.

India is emerging as a competitive player in the digital manufacturing revolution through Additive Manufacturing (AM), a 3D-printing technology that uses digital files to create physical products, according to a government factsheet released on Wednesday.

The National Strategy for Additive Manufacturing (NSAM), launched in 2022, aims to build a strong domestic AM ecosystem. The initiative has so far trained more than 1.54 lakh people and supported 56 AM startups.

The government has now moved the strategy into its NSAM 2.0 phase, with plans to expand the market beyond the targets set under NSAM 1.0. The new phase aims to position AM as a key building block of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat, the factsheet said.

AM is rapidly transforming the manufacturing sector by converting digital designs into physical products. The technology has emerged as a major engineering frontier, offering applications across several industries.

The global AM machines market could reach $149 billion by 2035, while the AM-electronics supply chain could expand from $18 billion to $112 billion. These trends present India with an opportunity to build a competitive manufacturing ecosystem covering polymers, metals, composites, ceramics and semiconductor-grade materials.

The government will also showcase emerging technologies, including AM, at the second edition of the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC-2026), scheduled for October 27-29.

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) will organise ESTIC-2026 to advance emerging science and technology frontiers with transformative applications. The conclave will promote strategic collaborations and support India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The three-day event will cover 12 thematic areas and feature plenary sessions, technical discussions and exhibitions.

AM Boosts India’s Space Manufacturing

India’s space programme has begun using additive manufacturing to develop lighter and faster hardware.

In May 2024, IIT Madras-incubated startup Agnikul Cosmos launched ‘Agnibaan – SOrTeD’, featuring a single-piece, 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket engine. The mission demonstrated how AM can support complex engine designs and accelerate indigenous space-hardware development.

NSAM is also supporting startups in research and development focused on critical engine components manufactured through AM.

Defence Adopts 3D-Printing Technology

The Armed Forces are also using AM to accelerate construction and develop resilient infrastructure.

The Indian Army inaugurated its first AM-printed two-storey dwelling unit in Ahmedabad after completing the structure in just 12 weeks. The Army has also expanded the technology to precast defence structures in operational areas such as Ladakh.

NSAM is supporting all three branches of the Armed Forces in establishing workshop-level facilities for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) applications.

AM Opens New Healthcare Opportunities

The Technology Development Board is supporting the development of 3D-printed bone grafts using indigenous bioceramic materials.

The technology allows manufacturers to create grafts tailored to a patient’s specific anatomy and medical requirements. It could reduce India’s dependence on imports, strengthen domestic medical manufacturing and enable more personalised healthcare, the factsheet said.

With applications spanning space, defence, healthcare and advanced manufacturing, India is increasingly using additive manufacturing to strengthen its domestic technology capabilities and build a globally competitive digital manufacturing ecosystem.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 10th edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 on Thursday and address participants at the event, according to an official statement.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) will jointly organise the four-day event from October 7 to 10 under the theme “Scale Without Boundaries.”

The government said the theme reflects India’s expanding capabilities in digital innovation, next-generation connectivity and technology-driven growth.

IMC 2026 will focus on four key pillars: Srishti (Building the Future), Samvardhan (Fueling Growth), Sashakt (Expanding Opportunities) and Suraksha (Strengthening Trust).

The event will highlight innovation, next-generation digital infrastructure, technology-led economic growth, inclusive digital access and secure, resilient digital ecosystems.

The congress will bring together global technology leaders, policymakers, industry experts, startups, investors and innovators to explore emerging opportunities across the digital landscape.

The 2026 edition will cover nine established anchor sectors, including 5G and 6G, next-generation AI networks, semiconductors, non-terrestrial networks, cybersecurity, quantum communication, enterprise transformation, circular economy and ESG, and electronics manufacturing.

IMC 2026 will also introduce four new focus areas: smart mobility, stadium experiences, industrial robotics and transport technology.

The government expects the event to attract more than 1.5 lakh attendees from over 100 countries. The congress will also feature more than 500 partners and exhibitors, over 600 startups and more than 900 thought leaders.

The four-day event will host over 120 sessions and showcase more than 2,000 technology use cases, highlighting innovations and emerging trends shaping the global digital ecosystem.

Skipper Shreyas Iyer smashed a historic unbeaten 102 off 43 balls, while debutant Naman Dhir made an immediate impact as India thrashed the West Indies by eight wickets in the first T20I at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Tuesday.

Chasing 172, India completed the target in just 14.4 overs, with Iyer scoring his maiden T20I century and his highest score in the format. He reached his hundred in 42 balls, recording the second-fastest century against the West Indies in T20Is. Only Australia’s Tim David, who reached the landmark in 37 balls in 2025, has done it faster.

Iyer also registered the fastest T20I century by an Indian against the West Indies, surpassing KL Rahul’s 46-ball hundred in Lauderhill in 2016.

The India captain became only the third Indian skipper to score a century in men’s T20Is, joining Rohit Sharma, who has three centuries, and Suryakumar Yadav, who has one.

Iyer’s unbeaten 102 also surpassed his previous T20I best of 80 not out against England in Bristol earlier in 2026. He brought up his 11th T20I half-century from 28 balls, marking only his second fifty since taking over the captaincy from Suryakumar Yadav.

After India lost both openers early, Iyer took control of the chase and kept the scoreboard moving with a steady flow of boundaries.

India reached 62/2 after six overs, with Abhishek Sharma scoring 21 and Sanju Samson making 11. The early wickets did little to slow Iyer, who continued to attack the West Indies bowlers.

Ishan Kishan provided strong support with 37 off 27 balls as the pair added 137 runs from 68 deliveries to put India firmly in control. Kishan also completed 3,000 international runs during the chase.

India reached 102/2 at the halfway stage and needed 70 runs from 60 balls. Iyer then shifted gears, reached his century from 42 deliveries and finished unbeaten on 102 off 43. Kishan fell after making 37, but India comfortably completed the chase.

West Indies briefly thought they had dismissed Iyer when he clipped a Shamar Springer delivery towards square leg. Matthew Forde rushed in from deep cover and appeared to take a low catch.

The on-field umpire, however, ruled Iyer not out, prompting TV umpire Rohan Pandit to review the effort. Replays showed the ball had touched the ground between Forde’s fingers, confirming that he had not completed the catch.

Earlier, Dhir marked his T20I debut with an impressive 3/31 from four overs, recording the third-best figures by an Indian spinner on debut as India bowled out the West Indies for 171.

The visitors made a brisk start, with captain Shai Hope taking 16 runs from Mayank Yadav’s second over. India responded through Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel during the powerplay.

Kamil Pooran became the first West Indies wicket to fall after scoring 12. Shimron Hetmyer then ran out for five, while Rovman Powell departed without scoring. The three quick wickets left the visitors struggling at 44/3 after six overs.

Hope then stabilised the innings alongside Sherfane Rutherford. The pair added an unbeaten 38-run partnership to take West Indies to 82/3 at the drinks break, with Rutherford on 18 and Hope anchoring the innings.

Brief scores:

West Indies 171 all out in 19.1 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 56, Shai Hope 52; Naman Dhir 3-31, Axar Patel 2-26)
India 172/2 in 14.4 overs (Shreyas Iyer 102, Ishan Kishan 37; Roston Chase 1-37)

After Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down as captain, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Tuesday night that Smriti Mandhana will take over as India women’s full-time white-ball captain.

Mandhana has previously led India across formats. She has captained the team in 18 T20Is and four ODIs and will now take charge of the white-ball sides on a permanent basis.

One of the leading figures in Indian women’s cricket, Mandhana has played a key role in the team’s progress across formats. She also brings leadership experience from domestic and franchise cricket. Most recently, she led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026.

“Having been part of the Indian team since 2013, Smriti brings considerable experience into the role. She will now take on the responsibility of leading the side, with the team entering a new phase and continuing to build on the progress made in recent years,” the BCCI said in a statement on Tuesday.

Speaking about her appointment, Mandhana said leading India represents a special honour and thanked the BCCI, selectors, teammates and supporters for placing their trust in her.

She also acknowledged Harmanpreet’s contribution as captain and praised her commitment to the team over the years.

“I understand the responsibility that comes with this role and look forward to working with the team, learning along the way and giving my best to take Indian Cricket forward,” Mandhana said.

BCCI President Mithun Manhas congratulated Mandhana and expressed confidence in her ability to lead the Indian women’s team.

“Smriti has been an important part of Indian cricket for many years and has consistently shown the qualities required to lead from the front. Her experience and understanding of the game will be valuable as she takes on this responsibility,” Manhas said.

“The BCCI has full confidence in Smriti, and I am sure she will approach this role with the same commitment and professionalism that she has shown throughout her career. On behalf of the BCCI, I wish her the very best and look forward to seeing her lead the team into this new chapter,” he added.

BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia also congratulated Mandhana and highlighted her experience and leadership qualities.

“She has grown into one of the most experienced players in the Indian team and has been part of some very important moments in the journey of Indian women’s cricket. She understands what it means to represent India, and I am confident that she will bring that understanding to her role as captain,” Saikia said.

Saikia also pointed to Mandhana’s success with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League as evidence of her leadership ability.

“Leading India is a significant responsibility, but Smriti has the experience and temperament to take it on. Her success as captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League is another example of her leadership qualities,” he said.

He wished Mandhana and the team success as they begin a new chapter under her leadership.

Popular actor Madhavan has called director Raja Karuppasamy’s superhit Tamil film ‘Modha Rathiri’, starring Rishikanth and Anishma Anilkumar, a “brilliant” film and a “must watch”.

Madhavan took to Instagram to praise the film and its makers, describing the screenplay, visual storytelling and performances as outstanding. He also applauded the entire cast and crew for creating a film that made him laugh, cheer and clap after a long time.

Madhavan is not the first prominent personality to praise the film, which has emerged as a superhit.

National Award-winning actor and director Dhanush also praised the film and called it “heartwarming”. In a post on X, he applauded the team of newcomers behind the film and urged audiences to watch it in theatres with their families.

Directed by Raja Karuppasamy, ‘Modha Rathiri’ is a rural comedy entertainer starring Rishikanth and Anishma Anilkumar in the lead roles. The film hit theatres on August 21 and received a U/A certificate from the Censor Board before becoming a superhit.

Anishma Anilkumar plays Muthuselvi, while Rishikanth plays Maruthanayagam. The film follows an ordinary village wedding that turns into a hilarious series of misunderstandings, unexpected twists and emotional moments.

Set entirely over a single night, ‘Modha Rathiri’ builds its humour around one surprise after another. Rishikanth made his debut as a lead actor with the film, while Anishma Anilkumar, who earned appreciation for her performances in ‘Sirai’ and ‘Youth’, plays the female lead.

Producer Naveen Yerneni of Mythri Movie Makers had earlier said the team decided to make the film after the first narration made them laugh, smile and imagine the audience’s reaction in theatres. He said the film combines humour, emotions, relatable characters and entertainment, while praising Raja Karuppasamy and the cast and crew for their efforts.

Director Raja Karuppasamy said the film marked an ideal beginning to his filmmaking journey. He thanked producers Naveen Yerneni and Y. Ravi Shankar for backing his story and praised the actors, technicians and crew for their dedication. He said he hoped audiences would leave theatres smiling, laughing and remembering the characters.

Besides Rishikanth and Anishma Anilkumar, the film features Chetan, A. Venkatesh, Bucks, Abdool Lee, Shelly Kishore, Sangeetha Balan, Banupriya, Sumithra Devi L., Varshini Karmegham, Karthikeyan, Velan and Kowshik Kabilan, among others.

Surendran Paranjothi handled the cinematography, while Ashok Arjunan edited the film. Bharath Sankar composed the music, Poornima Ramaswamy designed the costumes and A. Balumahendra handled the art direction.

Hailey Pysadee, a 19-year-old law student representing Trinidad and Tobago, won the Miss India Worldwide 2026 title at the 33rd edition of the international pageant for women of Indian origin.

Neelam Saran, co-chairperson of Worldwide Pageants, presented Pysadee with the crown at the event held at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Trinidad and Tobago, according to a media release.

Contestants of Indian origin from several countries took part in the pageant, which organisers describe as the longest-running Indian pageant held outside India.

The event also awarded two other titles. Dr. Sridevi Manginani, representing the United States, won the Mrs. India Worldwide 2026 title, while Luna Jairam of the Netherlands won Miss Teen India Worldwide 2026.

Pysadee represented the host country and is pursuing a law degree.

Photographs from the event showed Pysadee wearing the Miss India Worldwide crown and sash alongside the other title holders.

Indian Americans Neelam and Dharmatma Saran organised the pageant through Worldwide Pageants, in association with Neha Karina Meena and Umesh Meena, the organisation’s national directors for Trinidad and Tobago.

The pageant brings together women of Indian origin from across the world and has evolved over more than three decades into an international platform for the Indian diaspora.

The 33rd edition brought contestants and organisers from across the global Indian community to Trinidad and Tobago.

The event at NAPA also highlighted Indian culture, traditions, performing arts and values alongside the pageant competition.

Pysadee, Manginani and Jairam represented three countries and different generations of the Indian diaspora, reflecting the pageant’s international reach.