'Fugitive Kurup is in Brunei': Claim falls apart as relatives identify man in photo; Crime Branch probe shifts focus

IANS | August 28, 2026 3:50 PM

Thrissur, Aug 28 (IANS) Barely hours after Kerala Home Minister, Ramesh Chennithala, on Friday ordered a Crime Branch probe into reports that fugitive Sukumara Kurup had been traced to Brunei, the sensational claim has suffered a major setback, with relatives identifying the man in the circulated photograph as Thrissur native Damodara Menon.

Chelsea prepared for Enzo Fernandez transfer amid City interest, but for right amount: Report

IANS | August 28, 2026 3:42 PM

New Delhi, Aug 28 (IANS) Chelsea are prepared to sell their midfielder Enzo Fernandez amid strong interest from fellow Premier League club Manchester City, but want the right price for the Argentine international.

Centre invites applications for Rs 5,000 crore PRIP Scheme to boost pharma, MedTech innovation

IANS | August 28, 2026 3:42 PM

New Delhi, Aug 28 (IANS) The Centre's Department of Pharmaceuticals has announced the second call for applications under the Rs 5,000 crore Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma & MedTech (PRIP) Scheme, launched to strengthen India's pharma and medtech research and development ecosystem across startups, MSMEs, and large companies, according to an official statement issued on Friday.

Bhagwat's NY event: USCIRF’s ‘India Hit’ job ignores country’s extraordinary record of religious pluralism

Zahack Tanvir | August 28, 2026 3:33 PM

New Delhi, August 28: Being a patriotic and proud Indian Muslim, I felt this was a hit job against India. The USCIRF’s latest statement goes far beyond a routine assessment of religious freedom. It targets RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s visit to the United States, calls for targeted sanctions against RSS members and Indian officials, and even urges Washington to consider revoking Bhagwat’s visa. USCIRF has also repeated its recommendation that India be designated a “Country of Particular Concern.”

Defence sector reforms aim to boost India’s military hardware exports

IANS | August 28, 2026 3:33 PM

New Delhi, Aug 28 (IANS) The Department of Defence Production has undertaken a comprehensive set of reforms to simplify the Defence Export Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and the Open General Export Licence (OGEL) framework with the aim of making India a reliable, competitive and trusted global defence manufacturing and export partner, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on Friday.

DPL 2026: We just need to maintain this momentum, says Monika after Central Delhi Queens’ first win

IANS | August 28, 2026 3:29 PM

New Delhi, Aug 28 (IANS) After helping Central Delhi Queens to their first win in the Women’s Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026, top batter Monika said the team just needs to maintain the momentum in the competition.

Smuggling modules busted in Punjab; six held with 2.9 kg heroin, eight pistols

IANS | August 28, 2026 3:23 PM

Chandigarh, Aug 28 (IANS) Punjab Police’s Special Operation Cell and Counter Intelligence, in two separate operations, busted weapons and narcotics smuggling modules with the arrest of six people, recovering 2.9 kg heroin and eight high-end pistols along with six cartridges from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

Nepal floods: EAM Jaishankar discusses relief and rescue efforts with MEA officials, Indian missions in Kathmandu and Beijing

IANS | August 28, 2026 3:09 PM

New Delhi, Aug 28 (IANS) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday held a meeting with officials of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Embassies in Kathmandu and Beijing to discuss the relief and rescue efforts for Nepal in the wake of the deadly floods.

Armaan Malik returns to his 'OG romantic roots' with 'Kaho Toh' from Prem Keetanu

IANS | August 28, 2026 3:08 PM

Mumbai, Aug 28 (IANS) Renowned singer and composer Armaan Malik has returned to his 'romantic roots' with his latest track 'Kaho Toh' from the upcoming entertainer, 'Prem Keetanu'.

'Absolutely ridiculous': Marizanne Kapp criticises Cricket Australia's clearance for Anaya Bangar

IANS | August 28, 2026 3:07 PM

New Delhi, Aug 28 (IANS) South Africa’s seam-bowling all-rounder Marizanne Kapp has voiced strong opposition to Cricket Australia's decision to clear transgender cricketer Anaya Bangar to compete in the country’s community cricket circuit and potentially pursue a pathway to featuring in the elite Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).