Category Archives: events

Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Preview, stats, and more

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Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan, Sri Lanka Square Off in Must-Win Clash

By Parth Dhall | September 22, 2025 | 07:11 PM IST

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are set to face each other in Match 3 of the 2025 Men’s T20 Asia Cup Super 4. The high-stakes encounter will take place at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Tuesday, September 23.

Both teams enter this game under pressure, having lost their opening Super 4 matches—Sri Lanka to Bangladesh and Pakistan to India. With only the top two teams from the Super 4 stage advancing to the final, a defeat for either side could significantly damage their chances of lifting the trophy.

Match Details

Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 23, 8:00 PM IST
Broadcast: Live on Sony Sports Network (India)
Streaming: Available on SonyLIV app and website

Pitch Report

The Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch is expected to support seam bowlers early on, as witnessed in the recent India-Oman match. As the game progresses, spinners are likely to play a crucial role due to the dry surface. According to Cricbuzz, the average first-innings score in T20 internationals at this venue is around 140 runs.

Teams’ Recent Form and Tournament Outlook

Sri Lanka had enjoyed a strong run during the group stage, chasing down targets successfully in all their matches. However, their momentum was halted by a narrow defeat to Bangladesh in the Super 4 opener. Similarly, Pakistan’s campaign suffered an early blow after a six-wicket loss to India, following two wins out of three group-stage games.

With only two teams advancing to the final, both Pakistan and Sri Lanka cannot afford to lose this crucial encounter if they hope to continue their Asia Cup journey.

Head-to-Head Stats

It’s noteworthy that this will be the first T20I meeting between Sri Lanka and Pakistan since 2022. Historically, out of 23 T20I clashes, Pakistan holds a slight advantage with 13 wins, while Sri Lanka has won 10 encounters.

Probable Playing XIs

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara.

Players to Watch

Pakistan’s opener Sahibzada Farhan, who impressed with a fluent 58 against India, will again be under the spotlight. However, despite good runs, his strike rate in the tournament currently stands at 101.54.

On the bowling front, Shaheen Afridi is eyeing a milestone and could surpass Shadab Khan to become Pakistan’s second-highest wicket-taker in T20 internationals.

For Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka has been in fine form, scoring two half-centuries in his last four T20Is. Spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been economical throughout the Asia Cup, yet to concede more than 30 runs in any game, and is expected to play a key role with the ball.

Fan Poll

Will Wanindu Hasaranga take two or more wickets in this match?

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/asia-cup-2025-pakistan-vs-sri-lanka-preview/story

₹1 Crore Spent On Drone Show For PM Modi’s Birthday In Pune, Claims Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader Vasant More

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**Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader Raises Questions Over ₹1 Crore Spent on 3D Drone Show in Pune**

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vasant More on Monday claimed that ₹1 crore was spent on the 3D drone show organised at the SP College Ground in Pune on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday on September 17.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), More revealed, “A few days ago, there was a drone show in Pune. We decided to ask the company how much it costs. The company has given this quotation. It costs ₹1 crore to fly 1,000 drones in the sky for half an hour.”

The former Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) corporator highlighted the opportunity cost of the expenditure. He said that with this ₹1 crore, the facilities at the state-run Sassoon General Hospital in Pune could have been improved. “How much work could have been done for our Sassoon Hospital in Pune with this ₹1 crore? Punekars, you have to think,” he added.

### About the Drone Show

The drone show, named **“Jyotine Tejachi Aarti”**, lasted for 45 minutes. Approximately 1,000 drones showcased the achievements of the Modi government, alongside Pune’s social, cultural, and historical landmarks.

This was the first time in Maharashtra that a drone show of this scale was organised, modelled on similar events held in Ayodhya and Varanasi.

In addition to the spectacular drone display, popular singer and music composer Avadhoot Gupte performed live, presenting some of his famous songs and patriotic numbers.

### Community Aid Initiative

Alongside the celebrations, an aid camp for differently-abled individuals was organised. During the camp, 1,750 assistive devices were distributed free of cost to over 1,200 beneficiaries, aiming to provide support and enhance their quality of life.

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The event’s blend of entertainment, technology, and social outreach has sparked conversation, with some leaders questioning the allocation of funds and urging for greater investment in public healthcare infrastructure.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/1-crore-spent-on-drone-show-for-pm-modis-birthday-in-pune-claims-shiv-sena-ubt-leader-vasant-more

Mumbai News: Devotees Recreate Historic Mot Mauli Pilgrimage From Mahim To Mount Mary Basilica

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Mother Mary devotees participated in the annual Mot Mauli Purcessao pilgrimage on Saturday morning, journeying from St. Michael’s Church in Mahim to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, Bandra. This pilgrimage marks a significant event during the eight-day Bandra Fair, centered around the basilica—affectionately known as Mount Mary—which will conclude on Sunday.

The one-and-a-half-hour procession reenacted the original pilgrimage to the Bandra shrine dating back to 1761, when a rekla, or horse-drawn cart, carried the Statue of Our Lady of the Mount. The final leg of the procession began at St. Peter’s Church on Hill Road, continuing to Mount Mary for the religious service held at 9:30 a.m.

“The procession is recreated to promote native devotion to the patroness of the East Indian community, Mount Mary,” said Gleason Barretto, founder trustee of the Mobai Gaothan Panchayat, the organization behind the event.

Highlights of the event included a traditional East Indian brass band, the luzar (rosary), religious hymns, and participants dressed in East Indian-themed costumes. The Bombay Velankanni Pilgrims Band also performed during the procession, with members of the St. Peter’s Confraternity actively taking part in the celebrations.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-devotees-recreate-historic-mot-mauli-pilgrimage-from-mahim-to-mount-mary-basilica

Navratri 2025: Temple & Pandal Exploration Tour Announced In Mumbai; Check Out Dates, Itinerary, Tickets & More

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**Mumbai Launches Special Navratri Temple & Pandal Exploration Tour 2025**

Mumbai is gearing up for the festive season with the launch of a special **Navratri Temple & Pandal Exploration Tour 2025**, scheduled to take place from **22 September to 2 October 2025**. This carefully curated experience invites devotees and tourists alike to explore the city’s most famous heritage temples and vibrant Navratri pandals, blending spirituality with cultural discovery.

Organised with the support of certified tour guides from the Ministry of Tourism (Government of India) and Maharashtra’s State Department Guides, the four-hour guided journey aims to showcase Mumbai’s rich cultural heritage during Navratri.

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### Highlights of the Tour

The Navratri Temple/Pandal Hopping Tour includes visits to iconic religious sites such as:

– **Mumba Devi Temple** – The city’s namesake and a central point of devotion.
– **Mahalaxmi Temple** – One of Mumbai’s most revered shrines.
– **Prabha Devi Temple** – Known for its spiritual and historical significance.

Starting from the **5th day of Navratri (27 September 2025)**, participants will also enjoy exclusive access to the **Bengali Club Pandal**, a celebrated destination for devotees during the festival.

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### Inclusions & Facilities

– Comfortable travel in an air-conditioned bus.
– Complimentary bottle of water for participants.
– Guidance from a licensed tourism professional throughout the trip.
– Hassle-free M-ticket/contactless booking via **BookMyShow** with fast-track entry.

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### Date, Timing, Language, and Pricing

– Tours begin daily at **4:00 PM**.
– Duration: **4 hours**.
– Open to participants aged **3 years and above**.
– Instructions and guidance available in **English, Hindi, and Marathi**.
– Ticket prices start from **₹1,549 onwards**.

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### Additional Notes

Authorities have clarified that access to certain heritage pandals may be restricted in case of security concerns or public safety requirements. Nevertheless, the tour promises an insightful journey into Mumbai’s cultural and religious traditions, providing participants with opportunities to learn about the historical background and cultural significance of each site.

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### Why This Tour Matters

Navratri is one of India’s most vibrant festivals, and this guided tour ensures visitors not only witness the devotional energy but also gain a deeper understanding of Mumbai’s spiritual heritage. From ancient temples to festive pandals, the itinerary beautifully blends tradition with modern convenience, making it an ideal activity for both locals and tourists during the festive season.

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### Booking Information

For bookings and more details, tickets are available exclusively on **[BookMyShow](https://www.bookmyshow.com/)**.

Experience the spirit of Navratri like never before with this unique exploration of Mumbai’s cultural heartlands!
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/navratri-2025-temple-pandal-exploration-tour-announced-in-mumbai-check-out-dates-itinerary-tickets-more

Melania Trump and Princess Kate make bold fashion choices for their historic first outing together

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First Lady Melania Trump and Princess Kate are set to make history with their first joint outing together. Prince William and Kate greeted U.S. President Donald Trump and the First Lady as they disembarked Marine One after landing on the grounds of the Windsor estate on Wednesday. They were then taken to meet the King and Queen.

Kate was dressed in a bold, burgundy Emilia Wickstead dress, paired with a matching hat by Jane Taylor and a feather brooch. Kate’s hat, made from luxury felt with a satin bow and veiling, retails for £2,330 and is made to measure. Meanwhile, Melania wore a Christian Dior Haute Couture dark grey suit complemented by a wide-brimmed purple hat that obscured her eyes.

Later in the day, the two women will visit Frogmore Gardens together as part of the President’s second state visit. This outing marks their first solo engagement without their respective spouses. During their visit, Melania and Kate will meet UK Scoutmaster Dwayne Fields and members of the Scouts Squirrels program. A former Scout herself, Kate has been co-president of the Scout Association since 2020.

Ahead of this historic outing, Melania and Camilla joined their spouses for the Beating Retreat military ceremony. Camilla opted for a royal blue dress and matching hat, accessorized with three strands of pearls. Her handbag matched her shoes, and she wore a gold brooch.

The Trumps stayed overnight on Tuesday at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence in London before traveling on Wednesday to Windsor Castle for a ceremonial welcome and a lavish state banquet.

Melania’s itinerary for the short visit also includes an outing with Camilla. Together, they will visit Queen Mary’s Dollhouse and the Royal Library at Windsor Castle.

This trip carries extra significance as the late Queen Elizabeth previously hosted the Trumps for a state visit during his first term. Donald Trump is now the first elected political leader in modern history to be invited to two state visits by monarchs.

Crowds have turned out to support the U.S. President in the Berkshire town, with Dianne, 52, from north London, telling The Independent that she thinks Trump is a special man. However, thousands are also set to demonstrate against Trump’s stay on the streets of London later.

The U.S. President’s visit is under tight security. Notably, four arrests were made near Windsor after pictures of Trump and the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were projected onto the castle.

Wednesday will see the President and First Lady Melania Trump treated to a military parade described by the Ministry of Defence as the largest guard of honour ever at a state visit. The day’s events will also include gun salutes, a joint U.S.-U.K. flypast, a carriage procession, and a lavish state banquet.
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/melania-trump-kate-middleton-hat-dress-fashion-b2828931.html

Mumbai Police Deploy AI For The First Time At Girgaon Chowpatty On Anant Chaturdashi – Prevents Stampedes, Reunites 24 Missing Children | VIDEO

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**Mumbai Police Deploys Artificial Intelligence for Crowd Management During Ganeshotsav Visarjan at Girgaon Chowpatty**

Mumbai’s annual Ganeshotsav celebration is renowned for drawing massive crowds, with millions of devotees participating in visarjan processions across key immersion points such as Girgaon Chowpatty, Juhu, and Dadar. This year marked a significant milestone as the Mumbai Police, for the first time, utilized Artificial Intelligence (AI) extensively to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the city’s largest annual event during the Ganpati Visarjan at Girgaon Chowpatty on Anant Chaturdashi.

In a video statement shared on the official Mumbai Police X handle, Dr. Mohit Garg, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Zone 2 Mumbai, elaborated on the high-tech measures deployed. Under the guidance of Police Commissioner Shri Deven Bharti, the force established an AI Command and Control Center that integrated feeds from hundreds of CCTV cameras along with 16 drones. This comprehensive setup enabled accurate calculation of the number of devotees entering Chowpatty and detailed analysis of parking space utilization.

Dr. Garg emphasized the critical role of this technology in preventing stampede-like incidents. Real-time crowd behavior and density analytics allowed the police to monitor gatherings closely and respond promptly to potential risks. “The system helped us rationalize parking decisions and generate alerts that were immediately acted upon,” he noted.

In addition to crowd monitoring, AI was instrumental in enhancing security through anti-sabotage measures. The system kept a vigilant watch on Nirmala Kalash placements and issued real-time alerts when necessary. For the first time during the festival, RFID and GPS technologies were employed to track the movement of 745 Ganpati mandals across Mumbai, helping streamline traffic management.

This advanced surveillance and tracking also played a humanitarian role, enabling the police to trace and reunite 24 missing children with their families amidst the festive chaos.

Despite accommodating nearly 20 lakh visitors at Girgaon Chowpatty on Anant Chaturdashi, with peak crowds reaching 4 lakh people simultaneously, the police successfully managed the event without any major disruptions. Dr. Garg highlighted, “The AI system gave us insights into which parking areas were utilized or underutilized, allowing us to optimize the limited parking space inside Chowpatty. It greatly assisted in preventing stampedes by providing real-time crowd behavior and density analysis.”

He further confirmed that the AI system generated 51 real-time alerts during the event, all of which were swiftly addressed by on-ground officers, ensuring smooth operations throughout the celebrations.

This year’s Ganeshotsav marks a turning point where cutting-edge technology such as AI, drones, GPS, and RFID was seamlessly integrated with traditional policing methods. Mumbai Police’s innovative approach ensured that faith and festivity went hand-in-hand with safety and efficiency, setting a new standard for managing large-scale public events in the city.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-police-deploy-ai-for-the-first-time-at-girgaon-chowpatty-on-anant-chaturdashi-prevents-stampedes-reunites-24-missing-children-video