Australian telco giant fined $66M over ‘appalling’ conduct

SYDNEY, Australia — Embattled Australian telco giant Optus was hit with a $66-million fine on Wednesday over “appalling” sales conduct as the firm grapples with fallout from a network outage linked to several deaths.

A federal court ruled the company — one of Australia’s top telecoms providers — should be punished for selling products to vulnerable customers in a manner deemed unacceptable.

https://business.inquirer.net/548976/australian-telco-giant-fined-66m-over-appalling-conduct

Sri Lanka ousted from T20 Asia Cup 2025: Here’s how

The Sri Lankan cricket team has been ousted from the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025. This unexpected exit marks a significant moment in the tournament, leaving fans and analysts alike reflecting on the team’s performance.

Despite their efforts, Sri Lanka was unable to advance further in the competition. The early elimination highlights the fiercely competitive nature of the Asia Cup and sets the stage for other teams to shine in the remaining matches.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/sri-lanka-get-eliminated-from-asia-cup/story

Women’s Gophers basketball: Class of 2021 has big plans for 2026

Amaya Battle, Mara Braun, Mallory Heyer, and Niamaya Holloway are back together for one last shot at achieving the lofty goals they set as freshmen.

Over the years, they have reached some of these milestones, but one big goal still remains.

With determination and teamwork, they are ready to give it their all in this final chapter.
https://www.twincities.com/2025/09/24/womens-gophers-basketball-class-of-2021-has-big-plans-for-2026/

FIVB Men’s World: Poland sweeps Turkiye, forges semis duel vs Italy

MANILA, Philippines — Poland powered its way into the semifinals of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, setting up a highly anticipated rematch against defending champion Italy, just like the 2022 final.

World No. 1 Poland showcased their dominance in the knockout quarterfinal, defeating Turkiye convincingly with set scores of 25-15, 25-22, and 25-19 on Wednesday evening.

This victory secured Poland’s fifth appearance in the World Championship semifinals, continuing their strong legacy in the tournament. Fans can now look forward to an exciting clash between Poland and Italy as both teams vie for a spot in the championship match.
https://sports.inquirer.net/641574/fivb-mens-world-poland-sweeps-turkiye-forges-semis-duel-vs-italy

FIVB Men’s World: Italy gets back at Belgium, advances to semis

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion Italy exacted sweet revenge on Belgium with a rousing 25-13, 25-18, 25-18 win to advance to the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship semifinals on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Roberto Russo powered another balanced attack for the Italians, contributing 12 points after scattering six kills and four blocks.
https://sports.inquirer.net/641520/fivb-mens-world-italy-gets-back-at-belgium-advances-to-semis

Gilas Girls stun Korea on Tiffany Reyes’ winner in Fiba U16 Asia Cup

MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas Girls stayed alive in the FIBA U16 Women’s Asia Cup with a dramatic 77-75 win over South Korea on Wednesday at Arena Seremban in Malaysia.

In a must-win game, Tiffany Reyes delivered the game-winner at the buzzer to lift the Philippines past the Koreans and into the playoff for a semifinal berth.

https://sports.inquirer.net/641495/gilas-girls-stun-korea-on-tiffany-reyes-winner-in-fiba-u16-asia-cup

Sydney film festival to screen ‘Sholay’ with original ending

**Sydney Film Festival to Screen ‘Sholay’ with Original Ending**

*By Shreya Mukherjee | Sep 24, 2025, 01:41 PM*

The iconic Bollywood film *Sholay*, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, and Jaya Bachchan, is set to be screened at the Indian Film Festival of Sydney (IFFS) with its original ending. This special screening follows the film’s successful presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where audiences experienced the movie as director Ramesh Sippy originally intended.

The Indian Film Festival of Sydney will take place from October 9 to 11, offering fans a unique opportunity to see this restored classic in its true form.

### Film Restoration: The Original Ending Returns

The original ending of *Sholay* features Sanjeev Kumar’s character, Thakur, personally killing the notorious villain Gabbar Singh. This conclusion was initially rejected by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), deemed too violent for release. As a result, the filmmakers shot an alternate ending in which Thakur hands Gabbar Singh over to the police.

Thanks to the recent restoration efforts, the film’s original ending has now been reinstated, allowing viewers to experience the authentic narrative as envisioned by the director.

### Festival Highlights and Audience Reception

The decision to screen *Sholay* with its original ending at IFFS has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from audiences eager to witness this piece of cinematic history.

Mitu Bhowmick Lange, director of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), which is presenting the Sydney festival, commented, “To bring back the film’s original ending after all these years is to restore not just a different final scene but the full vision of its creator.”

This screening promises to be a landmark event for fans and cinephiles alike, celebrating the timeless legacy of *Sholay* in its most authentic form.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/sholay-to-screen-at-another-film-festival/story

Sydney film festival to screen ‘Sholay’ with original ending

**Sydney Film Festival to Screen ‘Sholay’ with Original Ending**

*By Shreya Mukherjee | Sep 24, 2025, 01:41 PM*

The iconic Bollywood film *Sholay*, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, and Jaya Bachchan, is set to be screened at the Indian Film Festival of Sydney (IFFS) with its original ending. This follows a successful screening at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where audiences experienced the film as director Ramesh Sippy originally intended.

The IFFS will take place from October 9-11, promising a special cinematic experience for fans and film enthusiasts alike.

### Film Restoration: The Return of the Original Ending

The restored version of *Sholay* features the original ending, which was previously withheld due to censorship. In this ending, Sanjeev Kumar’s character, Thakur, takes justice into his own hands by killing the notorious villain Gabbar Singh.

Originally, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) rejected this ending for being too violent. As a result, the filmmakers shot an alternate conclusion where Thakur hands over Gabbar Singh to the police. Now, after extensive restoration, the film finally presents the original ending as envisioned by the director.

### Festival Highlights and Audience Reaction

The decision to screen *Sholay* with its original ending at IFFS has been met with overwhelming demand from audiences eager to see the film in its truest form.

Mitu Bhowmick Lange, director of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), which is presenting the event, stated, “To bring back the film’s original ending after all these years is to restore not just a different final scene but the full vision of its creator.”

This screening is more than just a tribute to a classic film; it’s an opportunity to appreciate the artistic integrity and storytelling as originally intended.

*Don’t miss the chance to witness this legendary film at the Indian Film Festival of Sydney from October 9-11.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/sholay-to-screen-at-another-film-festival/story

Bihar: BJP slams Congress for organising CWC meeting at Patna ahead of polls

As Congress held its first-ever Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Patna post-independence, the event drew significant attention across the political spectrum.

However, BJP leader Amit Malviya criticized the gathering, claiming that it was attended by leaders who had “insulted Bihar.” He further stated that this move marks the “final nail in the coffin” for Tejashwi Yadav’s prospects of becoming the Chief Minister.

The statement from Malviya reflects the heightened political tensions in the region as different parties vie for influence and leadership ahead of upcoming elections.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/bihar-bjp-slams-congress-for-organising-cwc-meeting-at-patna-ahead-of-assembly-polls-23595563