International News & Events
NHL Legend Ken Dryden Passes Away
Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Ken Dryden, an icon of the Montreal Canadiens’ 1970s dynasty, died at 78 after a battle with cancer. Remembered as a “thinking man’s athlete,” he won six Stanley Cups and was a key member of Canada’s landmark 1972 Summit Series team against the Soviet Union.
Total Lunar Eclipse – “Blood Moon”
A spectacular total lunar eclipse, the last of 2025 visible from India, graced the skies nationwide on Sep 7-8. The Moon appeared deep red as it passed through Earth’s umbra, with totality lasting 1 hour and 22 minutes. The event was also visible across much of Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Political Developments
India-US Relations Show Improvement
In a significant de-escalation, PM Modi reciprocated President Trump’s conciliatory remarks, marking the first direct diplomatic exchange since the US imposed 50% tariffs on Indian steel and aluminum. Trump downplayed earlier comments, emphasizing their “special relationship” and hinting at future trade talks.
Diplomatic Outreach & UNGA Update
PM Modi also spoke with French President Macron, discussing strategic cooperation on defense and climate change. However, amid ongoing tariff tensions, Modi will skip addressing the UN General Assembly this month, with EAM S. Jaishankar scheduled to deliver India’s statement on Sep 27.
Sports Highlights
Hockey Asia Cup 2025 Final
India stormed into their first Asia Cup final in eight years after a commanding 7-0 victory over China, with Abhishek scoring a brace. They face defending champions South Korea on Sunday at 7:30 PM IST, with an automatic 2026 World Cup qualification spot on the line.
Tennis and F1 Updates
At the US Open, Aryna Sabalenka defended her women’s title with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Amanda Anisimova. In F1, Max Verstappen shattered the lap record at Monza with a time of 1:18.887 to take pole position for the Italian Grand Prix.
Entertainment & Box Office
Weekend Box Office & OTT Releases
“Baaghi 4” led a crowded Saturday box office with ₹9 crore, but Hollywood’s “The Conjuring: Last Rites” emerged as the surprise winner with strong collections. On OTT, Netflix released the anticipated “Wednesday Season 2 Part 2,” while ZEE5 debuted the romance “Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan.”
Box Office Economic Impact
India’s cumulative box office for 2025 has reached ₹7,041 crore from 1,098 movies, with Hindi films contributing ₹3,010 crore. This data reflects the robust health of the entertainment industry despite global economic headwinds.
National Alerts & Updates
Flood Situation Worsens in Punjab
Punjab’s flood crisis intensified, with the death toll rising to 46 and over 1.75 lakh hectares of crops devastated. The NDRF has evacuated over 15,000 people from low-lying areas, as schools remained closed in several northern states.
Market & Security Updates
BSE and NSE conducted mock trading sessions to test disaster recovery systems. In Quetta, Pakistan, a bomb blast at a cricket stadium during a local match claimed one life and injured several, highlighting persistent regional security challenges.
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