Language Settings
Select Website Language

All Posts

Showing 61 to 75 Articles posts out of total 3179 Total
  • Channels
  • Topics
  • Other Filters

Filters

Channels
Topics
Other Filters
Filters
Boulter crushed 6-1 6-0 by Muchova in US Open second round
Sports

Boulter crushed 6-1 6-0 by Muchova in US Open second round

Katie Boulter won just one game in 58 minutes as Karolina Muchova dumped the British number one out of the US Open second round. British number one Katie Boulter was knocked out of the US Open second round in barely under an hour on Wednesday, taking just a single game as Czech seventh seed Karolina Muchova ran out a 6-1 6-0 winner in 58 minutes. The contest lasted less than an hour at Flushing Meadows and was one-sided from the start. Boulter, the world number 62, described the loss as "a bad day at the office - times two" and admitted the surroundings had thrown her off her game. The match had been moved indoors to the 14,000-seat Louis Armstrong Stadium after heavy rain swept across New York, having first been listed for one of the outer courts. Spectators who thought they had earned a bonus third contest on their day-session tickets saw the shortest of encounters. "I struggled with the conditions," Boulter said. "I struggled with the roof, the noise, I let things distract me. I let it get to me. I'm not usually aware of everything going on. It made me feel a little bit uncomfortable. I have to deal with it better." Boulter's delivery was the clearest weakness. The 30-year-old served eight double faults, managed no aces and won only 33% of the points behind her first serve. She was broken every time she was threatened, failing to save any of the seven break points she faced. Her tally read 22 unforced errors against just four winners. Muchova, runner-up at Wimbledon this summer, was sharp by comparison, striking 14 winners for only nine unforced errors. She mixed clever drop shots with heavy groundstrokes to keep her opponent constantly stretched. Hantuchova urges a rethink Former world number five Daniela Hantuchova, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, said the result should prompt Boulter to reassess her approach. "I would be really humbled, I would sit down with my team and say 'OK, we need to change something big time'," she said. Hantuchova pointed straight to the serve. "It was very obvious today that it was the serve. I feel like it needs to be cleared up because she was losing the rhythm and not using her legs. That's the number one thing," she added. "If I am Boulter, I would be on the practice court tomorrow. If she still wants to invest everything into her tennis then she needs to be on the court." The defeat capped a lean run of results. Boulter has claimed only two wins across this year's four Grand Slam tournaments, and since her first-round exit at Wimbledon she has won just two of six matches. The summer has been happier away from the court: she married Australia's Alex de Minaur, the world number seven, in July. Fearnley out, Jones through There was more British disappointment as Jacob Fearnley also missed out on a place in the third round. He went down 6-3 6-3 3-6 6-3 to Argentina's Tomas Martin Etcheverry, recovering to take the third set before losing the fourth. Francesca Jones offered a brighter note. She completed a first-round win over Poland's Magda Linette, ranked 82nd, after the match had been suspended by rain on Tuesday night. Jones had taken the opening set 6-4 before play was halted. When the players returned on Wednesday, it was Linette who looked the fresher, sprinting to a 5-0 lead and sealing the second set in 28 minutes. Jones admitted the stop-start nature of the contest had tested her. "I've never been quite in this position so I was nervous with how I'd quite feel," she said. Jones, who won her maiden Grand Slam match at the French Open earlier this year, held on to advance. Katie Boulter, Karolina Muchova, US Open, British tennis, Jacob Fearnley, Francesca Jones, Alex de Minaur, Grand Slam

0 3 0
4 days ago
King Charles Hails Bayeux Tapestry's Arrival at British Museum
Entertainment

King Charles Hails Bayeux Tapestry's Arrival at British Museum

King Charles, President Macron and PM Andy Burnham gathered at the British Museum to preview the Bayeux Tapestry ahead of its public opening. King Charles has welcomed the arrival of the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum, describing the loan of the medieval embroidery as "unprecedented" and the "best possible symbol" of the bond between Britain and France. He viewed the work in London on Wednesday, a week before it opens to the public. Speaking in both French and English, the King addressed a gathering that included President Emmanuel Macron of France and Prime Minister Andy Burnham. He noted his own personal link to the artwork, telling guests he is a direct descendant of William, Duke of Normandy, whose forces defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The tapestry, he said, records the start of what he considers the French chapter of his family's presence in the British Isles. The embroidery stretches 70m (230ft) and recounts the Norman Conquest. Though stitched in England, it has been held in France for centuries. Its journey to London marks the first time such a loan has been arranged, after the idea was floated decades earlier. Cross-Channel jokes over 1066 The historic rivalry at the heart of the story gave the occasion a lighter edge. Standing at the point where the tapestry ends, Macron remarked on the "happy end, we're here." Burnham offered a playful counter, suggesting the English makers "couldn't bear to show the end" because it was "too difficult" to depict their defeat. Burnham also drew a comparison to his own recent rise, noting that the tapestry portrayed "a new leader emerging from a northern territory and travelling to the south of England." Addressing the room from the museum's Great Court, the King reflected on the enemies shown in the cloth. The Normans and Anglo-Saxons who once clashed, he said, would have been pleased to witness the current friendship between the two countries, which he called "two great nations, which share such fundamental values." He described the narrative woven into the fabric as one "of ambition and uncertainty, of oaths and journeys, of ships, councils, kings, comets and consequences." The King argued that the piece belongs to neither nation alone. From the moment it was made, he suggested, it may have drawn the English and Norman peoples together rather than dividing them. A loan proposed in the 1930s Macron called the tapestry a "masterpiece" and said the possibility of bringing it to Britain had first been raised back in the 1930s. He expressed satisfaction that the long-held plan had finally been realised. For the president, the London display stood as proof that the countries "are united" and a "reminder of what our countries can do if they join forces." Among those in the audience were the historian Dame Mary Beard and the former prime minister Theresa May. The King and Queen toured the exhibition alongside Macron and his wife Brigitte, and Burnham with his wife Marie-France van Heel. The group examined the centuries-old embroidery in near darkness, the fabric set within a long, illuminated glass case designed to protect and highlight the delicate stitching. The tapestry opens to the public at the British Museum next week. Bayeux Tapestry, British Museum, King Charles, Emmanuel Macron, Andy Burnham, Battle of Hastings, Norman Conquest, UK France exhibition

0 3 0
4 days ago
Google's Gemini 3.8 Flash 'Works Harder' -But May Cost More
Technology

Google's Gemini 3.8 Flash 'Works Harder' -But May Cost More

Google's new Gemini 3.8 Flash keeps 3.7 Flash's per-token pricing but may run up bills by using more tokens on hard tasks. Here's what changed. Google has released Gemini 3.8 Flash, a new artificial intelligence model that arrived only weeks after its predecessor, Gemini 3.7 Flash. The company says the update "works harder" by taking more reasoning steps on difficult problems and by calling software tools one after another, a design aimed at software engineering and self-directed AI agents. The per-token price is unchanged from the introductory rate on 3.7 Flash: $0.75 for every million input tokens and $3.75 for every million output tokens. Even so, Google cautions that users could pay more overall, because the model may consume additional tokens to squeeze out better results, particularly when set to higher effort levels. Developers who want to hold token use down can stay on Gemini 3.7 Flash. That trade-off was picked up quickly by outside observers. Artificial Analysis called 3.8 Flash the least expensive model it has tested at this level of capability, but noted the real cost of a task has climbed roughly 40 percent over 3.7 Flash despite the flat per-token rate. The firm attributed the jump to a 30 percent rise in output tokens per task and a greater number of turns during agent-style tests. John Ennis, chief executive of Aigora.ai, offered a favourable early take, comparing the model to Anthropic's lineup. He said it delivers "Opus 5 coding quality but at a fraction of the cost and super fast," and predicted it would be especially useful for tasks such as producing Remotion videos. Benchmark wins over rival models Google says the model marks significant gains for coding and autonomous agents. It reports that 3.8 Flash beat both its predecessor and other leading models on the DeepSWE v1.1 software engineering benchmark, among them Anthropic's Fable 5, which received an upgrade earlier in the week that promised stronger results at a lower price by reducing the cost of using cached data. Google also says its new model came out ahead of competitors on the Vals Finance Agent V2 benchmark and on Harvey's Legal Agent benchmark. Cyber edition limited to governments The model ships with built-in protections against abuse in two areas: chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats, and offensive cyber activity. Alongside the general release, Google introduced Gemini 3.8 Flash Cyber and a new Fairwind Program open only to governments and what it calls trusted partners. The program counts 650 members, including the security firm CrowdStrike and the Center for Internet Security. Members gain access to 3.8 Flash Cyber and to Google's CodeMender agent, which the company says can automatically locate and repair software vulnerabilities to help defend critical infrastructure, public services and national security. Gemini 3.8 Flash is available now to consumers who hold a Google AI Pro or Ultra subscription, as well as to developers and enterprise customers. Gemini 3.8 Flash, Google AI, Gemini pricing, AI coding models, DeepSWE benchmark, Fairwind Program, CodeMender, AI agents

0 3 0
4 days ago
Ford Targets 100,000 Sales for New $30,000 EV Truck
World

Ford Targets 100,000 Sales for New $30,000 EV Truck

Ford is aiming to sell 100,000 units of a new $30,000 electric pickup in its first year on the market. Ford is targeting sales of 100,000 units in the first year for a new electric pickup truck priced at around $30,000, according to details of the automaker's plans. The price point places the vehicle well below many electric trucks currently on the market, positioning it as one of Ford's most aggressive bids yet to bring EV ownership to a wider group of buyers. The 100,000-unit goal signals that Ford expects strong demand at that price. The planned model has drawn attention online, with the name "Ford Fathom" spiking in US search interest as word of the project spread. A sub-$30,000 sticker and a six-figure sales target together mark a shift in how Ford is approaching the electric pickup segment, a category where high prices have limited mainstream uptake. Meeting the volume goal would make the truck a significant part of the company's EV lineup. Ford has not published a full specification sheet, on-sale date, or production location in the available information, and further details on range, features, and availability remain to be confirmed. The reported figures center on the roughly $30,000 price and the 100,000-vehicle first-year ambition. The plan reflects intensifying competition among carmakers to offer lower-cost electric vehicles as they chase buyers who have so far been deterred by cost. For Ford, hitting both the price and the sales numbers would test whether an affordable electric truck can find a mass audience in the United States. Ford EV truck, Ford electric pickup, $30,000 EV, Ford Fathom, electric vehicle sales, affordable EV, Ford electric truck 2026  

0 3 0
4 days ago
Osnabrück vs Bayern DFB Cup First-Round Preview
Sports

Osnabrück vs Bayern DFB Cup First-Round Preview

FC Bayern travel to VfL Osnabrück in the DFB Cup first round - the preview driving 'bayern munich' up Google Trends in India. German cup football is back, and FC Bayern begin their campaign on the road. Here is what is confirmed about the first-round tie against VfL Osnabrück - and why it has climbed India's search charts. Bayern Drawn Against Osnabrück FC Bayern open their DFB Cup campaign away at VfL Osnabrück in the competition's first round. The pairing sends the reigning German giants to Osnabrück for a straight knockout tie. It is the headline fixture in a preview published under FC Bayern's own coverage, setting up the club's entry into this season's cup. A Preview, Not A Result This is billed explicitly as a preview: the VfL Osnabrück versus FC Bayern tie is still to be played. No score, no final outcome yet exists - only the confirmed matchup. Everything circulating around the fixture is anticipation ahead of kickoff, framed by FC Bayern before the first-round meeting takes place. Bayern Munich Trends In India The fixture pushed "bayern munich" onto Google Trends in India, logging 100+ searches. That surge, thousands of kilometres from Germany, is what flagged the tie as a trending story. Indian football followers drove the query, turning a first-round cup preview into a search-chart entry worth reporting. Osnabrück Host The Favourites VfL Osnabrück carry home advantage for this one, hosting FC Bayern rather than travelling. The smaller German side stage the tie on their own turf, the classic cup scenario of an underdog welcoming a heavyweight. The preview centres on Osnabrück's role as hosts against the visiting Bayern. FC Bayern On The Road Rather than opening at home, FC Bayern begin their DFB Cup run as visitors to Osnabrück. The trip marks Bayern's first-round assignment in the German knockout competition. It is Bayern's involvement - the club named directly in the trending query - that has driven the fixture's wider attention. Published By FC Bayern The preview of the Osnabrück tie appears under FC Bayern's own coverage banner. The club itself is the listed source framing the first-round matchup. That official origin shapes how the fixture is presented ahead of the game, positioning it as Bayern's launch into the DFB Cup. The Search Term Doing The Work The exact phrase lighting up Google Trends India is "bayern munich" - not the fixture as a whole, but the club's name. That single query, crossing the 100+ threshold, is the reason this DFB Cup first-round preview registered as a trending item worth tracking on the day. What The Preview Doesn't Confirm The available material names the tie, the competition and the round - VfL Osnabrück versus FC Bayern in the DFB Cup first round - and nothing more. No kickoff time, lineups, venue detail or date are stated here. What is known is the pairing itself, and that the match remains ahead, not behind. bayern munich, VfL Osnabrück, DFB Cup, DFB-Pokal first round, FC Bayern, German football, cup tie preview, Bayern fixture

0 3 0
4 days ago
Havan Smoke Cuts Airborne Bacteria at Home, NBRI Study Finds
Health

Havan Smoke Cuts Airborne Bacteria at Home, NBRI Study Finds

A study by Lucknow's National Botanical Research Institute found that smoke from havan reduces airborne bacteria, lowering the risk of infectious diseases. Performing a havan at regular intervals can help keep homes free of bacteria, according to a study by scientists at the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) in Lucknow. The research found that smoke released during the ritual sharply reduces airborne bacteria, lowering the chance of infectious diseases spreading. NBRI senior scientist Chandra Shekhar Nautiyal, who led the work, said burning wood together with medicinal herbs - the mixture known as havan samagri - can effectively cut pathogens in the air. The study has been published and accepted by Science Direct, a journal of ethnopharmacology. To measure the effect, the NBRI team carried out an indoor experiment. Researchers obtained a mixture of more than five dozen odoriferous and medicinal herbs from the Gurukul Kangri Pharmacy in Haridwar and burned it in an enclosed setting to track how it changed the surrounding environment. Along with Nautiyal, the study team included Puneet Singh Chauhan and Yeshwant Laxman Nene, a fellow of the Asian Agri-History Foundation. Nautiyal linked the practice to ancient tradition, noting that the Rigveda describes saints performing agnihotra-yagnas to purify the environment by burning havan samagri in fire. The NBRI findings, he said, point to a measurable basis for that long-held belief. havan, NBRI, airborne bacteria, havan samagri, medicinal herbs, Lucknow, infectious diseases, ethnopharmacology

0 5 0
4 days ago
Amitabh Bachchan Reveals Family Link to Saif Ali Khan on KBC
Entertainment

Amitabh Bachchan Reveals Family Link to Saif Ali Khan on KBC

On Kaun Banega Crorepati, Amitabh Bachchan explained how the Bachchan family is tied to Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor through the Nanda and Kapoor families. Amitabh Bachchan surprised guest Saif Ali Khan with an unexpected family disclosure during a recent episode of the quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati. Saif was on the programme with his Haiwaan co-star Akshay Kumar when the host noted that he and Saif are linked through their wider families. The moment was featured in a promotional clip for the coming episode. "Many people don't know that he is in our relation," Amitabh told Saif, who reacted with a puzzled "Me?" before the veteran actor laid out the chain of relationships. The tie runs through the Kapoor and Nanda families. Amitabh's daughter, Shweta Bachchan, is married to Nikhil Nanda. Nikhil's mother, Ritu Nanda, was the daughter of the actor and filmmaker Raj Kapoor. Raj Kapoor was also Kareena Kapoor's grandfather. That makes Nikhil Nanda and Kareena cousins. Because Saif is married to Kareena, his link to the Bachchans comes through marriage rather than shared bloodlines. "Raj Kapoor's daughter, Ritu's son Nikhil is married to my daughter Shweta," Amitabh explained on the show. The host then steered the exchange toward comedy. With Saif now part of the Kapoor family, Amitabh wondered aloud about the correct terms of address across the extended clan. "So now I want to know how should I address Kareena? Kareena will call me what?" he asked. Shweta Bachchan and Nikhil Nanda married in 1997. They have two children, daughter Navya Naveli Nanda and son Agastya Nanda. Beyond the family angle, Amitabh and Saif have a shared work history. The two have appeared together on screen in Eklavya: The Royal Guard in 2007 and in Aarakshan in 2011. Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Kaun Banega Crorepati, Kareena Kapoor, Nikhil Nanda, Raj Kapoor, Shweta Bachchan, Akshay Kumar

0 3 0
4 days ago
How to Convert JPG to PDF Using Adobe Acrobat, Step by Step
Technology

How to Convert JPG to PDF Using Adobe Acrobat, Step by Step

A practical guide to turning JPG images into PDF files with Adobe Acrobat on a PC and smartphone, plus free browser-based options. Graphic designers and everyday users regularly need to turn a JPG image into a PDF, whether the file is a scanned signature for a document or a screenshot from an instruction manual. Adobe Acrobat is one of the most widely trusted tools for the job, converting a JPG to PDF while keeping the original image quality intact. JPG, also written as JPEG, stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group. The format compresses highly detailed images into smaller files, which makes them easier to share and store. It is commonly used for pictures added to blog posts, social media platforms and emails. PDF, short for Portable Document Format, can hold images, official documents and degrees, and it is accessible across nearly all devices. Why designers convert JPG to PDF The two formats serve different needs. A JPG takes up less space than a PDF, but a PDF is easier to manage and edit. When a JPG is converted to PDF, it can be broken into separate components for editing, something that is not possible with the flat JPG file itself. Compressing a file as a JPG causes it to lose quality, while a PDF stays larger in size but delivers high-quality results. A PDF also holds its image quality when the dimensions are enlarged. PDF files also connect to Adobe Document Cloud, which adds services for sharing, uploading and managing documents once the conversion is done. Converting on a PC The desktop process is short. First, install Adobe Acrobat Reader on the computer, or use it directly in a browser. Next, select the file to be converted and wait for it to be processed. Once processing finishes, a download button appears. Clicking it saves the finished file to the PC as a PDF. Converting on a smartphone On a phone, the steps run through the Adobe Acrobat app. Open the Google Play Store and install the application, then launch it and sign in using one of the available methods. Users can choose a plan at this stage, including a free option, with paid subscriptions available at low prices. Inside the app, tap the plus button at the bottom right of the screen, then tap the open file option. The app requests storage access so it can reach the files for editing. After selecting the image to convert, a 'Convert PDF' button appears beneath it. Tapping that button produces the PDF. There is one important limit on mobile. The image-to-PDF feature inside the Adobe Acrobat app cannot be used for free, so converting through the app requires a paid plan. Free options and editing Converting a JPG to PDF does not have to cost anything. Multiple online and offline tools handle the task without charge. On a smartphone, a free route is to open any browser, go to a preferred JPG-to-PDF tool, and upload the file. In most cases the image is converted to PDF automatically, though some tools require the user to tap a command button to start the conversion. For those who need to edit the result, few tools match Adobe Acrobat for accurate PDF editing. A file can be uploaded to Adobe Acrobat, edited as needed, and saved using the software's editing controls. The choice between the two formats comes down to purpose. JPG remains the lighter, easier-to-store option for sharing images, while PDF offers broad device compatibility, editability and preserved quality, making it the format of choice when a file needs to be shared, managed or worked on after the fact. JPG to PDF, Adobe Acrobat, convert image to PDF, PDF converter, Adobe Document Cloud, file formats, PDF editing

0 3 0
4 days ago
Hyundai's New Mid-Size SUV Spied With 'ON' Camouflage Teaser
AutoMobiles

Hyundai's New Mid-Size SUV Spied With 'ON' Camouflage Teaser

Hyundai's upcoming mid-size SUV was spotted testing in India in white 'BRING IT ON' camouflage, fuelling speculation the Bayon name may be used here. Hyundai's next mid-size SUV has been photographed testing on Indian roads again, this time wearing an unusual white wrap stamped with the words "BRING IT ON" in large letters along both doors. The prototype's cover replaces the plain black disguise seen on earlier mules, marking what appears to be the start of the model's promotional build-up. A launch is expected before Diwali. The South Korean carmaker has not confirmed the production name, but the camouflage itself has become the centre of attention. The wrap is filled with words such as Innovation, Transformation, Companion, Ambition, Inspiration, Reflection and Expression, with "BRING IT ON" standing out as the boldest message on the vehicle. The 'ON' Clue Pointing To Bayon A more careful look at the disguise suggests it may be doing more than just building hype. The letters "ON" are picked out in red throughout the wrap. Terms printed on the panels include Perfection, Conversation, Selection and Evolution, alongside the earlier list - and each shares that same "ON" ending, which Hyundai has deliberately highlighted. That detail matters because the SUV is linked internationally to a model called Bayon, a name that also closes with "ON". The repeated emphasis raises the possibility that Hyundai is quietly hinting at the Bayon badge for the Indian market. It is equally possible the theme is simply part of a pre-launch campaign that leads to a different production name. Upright Shape And Layered Lighting The heavy disguise still allows a clear read of the SUV's proportions. It carries an upright stance with a nearly flat roof, large wheel arches, roof rails and standard door handles. At the front, a broad lighting signature sits high near the bonnet edge, with the main lamps set lower, giving the nose the layered look of Hyundai's recent SUV designs. In profile, the vehicle shows squared-off arches trimmed with thick cladding and alloy wheels. The roofline stays fairly level towards the tail, an approach that should free up headroom and boot space. A horizontal light bar stretches across the tailgate, while the upright rear windscreen is topped by a prominent roof spoiler. The overall shape points to a focus on cabin room and everyday usefulness rather than a low, coupe-style roof. Twin Screens And Driver Aids Inside Earlier spy images have already shown parts of the interior. The dashboard is set to run a wide, horizontal design built around two joined digital displays that cover the driver's instruments and the infotainment system. A fresh steering wheel resembling the one on the latest Venue has also been spotted, complete with Hyundai's four-dot motif instead of a conventional logo. Further kit is expected to include a 360-degree camera, a sunroof, connected-car features and several ADAS functions, with availability varying by variant. Positioned as a feature-heavy model, the SUV is likely to sit apart from the smaller Venue and the larger Creta by leaning on technology. Petrol And CNG Under Consideration On the mechanical side, the SUV is expected to lean mainly on petrol power. One likely choice is Hyundai's 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit already fitted to the Creta, where it delivers 115 PS and 143.8 Nm and pairs with either a manual or an IVT automatic. A CNG variant is also thought to be part of the plan. Should it reach production, a factory-fitted CNG option could set the model apart in the above-four-metre SUV class, where such choices are still uncommon. Hyundai has yet to release final figures for the engines and gearboxes. Hyundai Bayon India, Hyundai mid-size SUV, Hyundai SUV spied, Hyundai Creta, Hyundai Venue, Bayon launch Diwali, CNG SUV India, Hyundai new SUV 2026

0 3 0
4 days ago
Hero MotoCorp Scooter Sales Jump 43% in August 2026
AutoMobiles

Hero MotoCorp Scooter Sales Jump 43% in August 2026

Hero MotoCorp dispatched 5,68,398 units in August 2026, up 2.65% YoY, as scooters rose 43% and Vida EV crossed 25,000 units. Hero MotoCorp dispatched 5,68,398 two-wheelers in August 2026, a rise of 2.65% over the 5,53,727 units it sold in August 2025. The growth was modest overall, but scooters and Vida electric vehicles carried the month, both posting sharp gains for the country's largest two-wheeler maker. Compared with July 2026, when Hero shipped 5,33,416 units, total volumes climbed 6.56%. The headline figure masked a split between the company's two product lines: motorcycles slipped, while scooters surged. Scooters climb to 13% of volumes Motorcycles still made up the bulk of Hero's business, with 4,93,851 units dispatched in August. That was 1.53% lower than the 5,01,523 units sold a year earlier. The core motorcycle segment, long the backbone of Hero's sales, edged down for the month. Scooters told a different story. Hero dispatched 74,547 scooters in August, up 42.80% from 52,204 a year ago. The figure was also 14.95% higher than the 64,851 units sold in July. As a result, scooters accounted for 13.12% of Hero's total August volumes, with motorcycles making up the remaining 86.88%. Vida EV crosses 25,000 units Hero's electric brand, Vida, recorded 25,558 dispatches during August 2026. VAHAN retail registrations for the brand grew 38% year-on-year, according to Hero MotoCorp. Vida made up a large share of the company's scooter volumes for the month. Hero's domestic internal-combustion business separately posted dispatches of 5,16,747 units, with VAHAN retail registrations up 18% year-on-year. During the month, Vida widened its line-up with the launch of the VX2 Go, which uses a 3.1 kWh fixed battery, adding a new option to its electric scooter range. Domestic sales up, exports fall Hero's domestic dispatches reached 5,42,305 units in August, compared with 5,19,139 units in the same month of 2025, a rise of 4.46%. Domestic sales also improved 8.16% over July's 5,01,403 units. Exports moved the other way. Hero shipped 26,093 units abroad in August, down 24.56% from 34,588 units a year earlier. Exports also fell 18.49% against July's 32,013 units. Even so, the company continued to broaden its overseas range, launching the Xpulse 200 4V and Xpulse 200 4V Pro in Bangladesh during the month. FY27 scooter sales up 71% The cumulative figures for the financial year underline how far Hero's scooter push has come. Between April and August 2026, the company dispatched 27,79,127 two-wheelers, up 17.24% from 23,70,552 units in the same period a year earlier. Motorcycle sales for the five-month stretch rose 12.44% to 24,46,671 units. Scooter sales jumped 70.93% to 3,32,456 units, against 1,94,503 units in April-August 2025. Domestic sales over the period grew 17.08% to 26,15,815 units, while exports rose 19.77% to 1,63,312 units. The August numbers, and the wider year-to-date trend, point to scooters and electric models taking on a larger role in a company built primarily on motorcycle sales. Hero MotoCorp August 2026 sales, Hero scooter sales, Vida EV dispatches, Hero MotoCorp FY27, Hero Splendor, Vida VX2 Go, two-wheeler sales India

0 3 0
4 days ago
2026 Maruti Brezza Launched at Rs 7.40 Lakh With ADAS
AutoMobiles

2026 Maruti Brezza Launched at Rs 7.40 Lakh With ADAS

Maruti Suzuki has launched the updated 2026 Brezza at Rs 7.40 lakh, adding a 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo engine, ADAS, a 10.1-inch screen and six airbags. Maruti Suzuki India has rolled out the updated 2026 Brezza, with prices starting at Rs 7.40 lakh. The compact SUV arrives with reworked styling, a fresh cabin, an expanded safety kit and, for the first time, a turbocharged petrol engine. The made-over Brezza takes on the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV 3XO and Skoda Kylaq. It is sold in four trims - LXi, VXi, ZXi and ZXi+ - and buyers can pick from seven single-tone paint choices, headlined by two new shades: Vivacious Orange and Lustrous Beige. The other five are Pearl Arctic White, Sizzling Red, Splendid Silver, Magma Grey and Bluish Black, with dual-tone versions carrying a Bluish Black roof. A new turbo engine and a Smart Hybrid range The headline mechanical change is a 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol motor mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. It puts out 110 hp and 170 Nm of torque. The familiar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol carries over, rated at 103 hp and 140 Nm and fitted with Maruti's Smart Hybrid system. Buyers can pair it with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic that adds paddle shifters; the automatic returns a claimed 20.17 kmpl. A factory-built S-CNG option is also on offer, claiming 26.90 km/kg while keeping the boot usable by placing the gas cylinder under the floor. Dimensions stay the same as before, with the SUV measuring 3,995 mm in length. Bigger screen, more equipment inside The exterior updates are measured. The front end gains a new grille finished in dark chrome, a redesigned bumper, revised fog lamp surrounds and a fresh alloy wheel design. Dual-tone body cladding can be specified, though the tail stays close to the outgoing car. Most of the effort has gone into the cabin. A new dashboard is built around a 10.1-inch touchscreen that runs wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and connects to an ARKAMYS sound system. The range-topping ZXi+ adds ARKAMYS Surround Sense, Suzuki's Next Gen Connect telematics with Alexa built in, over-the-air updates and voice control triggered by the phrase "Hi Suzuki." A TFT colour instrument display features on the ZXi and ZXi+ grades. Maruti has also broadened the comfort list. Depending on the variant, the Brezza offers ventilated front seats, a cooled wireless phone charger, automatic climate control, an air purifier with a PM2.5 readout, an electric sunroof, a 360-degree camera and leatherette seats in a brown and black scheme. The top trim adds 64-colour ambient lighting and a soft-touch dashboard. Third Maruti to offer ADAS Safety marks one of the model's biggest steps forward. The Brezza becomes only the third Maruti Suzuki in India to include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, following the Victoris and the e Vitara. Depending on the trim, ADAS features run to blind spot warning with lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, a safe exit warning, front parking sensors and a tyre pressure monitor. Every variant comes fitted with six airbags, Electronic Stability Program with Hill Hold Assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, front seat belt pre-tensioners with force limiters, and reverse parking sensors that display a guiding infographic. Each Brezza is backed by a standard warranty of three years or 1,00,000 km, which owners can extend to six years. Maruti Brezza 2026, Brezza price, Boosterjet turbo engine, Maruti Brezza ADAS, compact SUV India, Maruti Suzuki, Brezza facelift, Brezza features

0 3 0
4 days ago
Sharmila Tagore Makes Surprise Cameo in 'VIBE' With Kunal Khemu
Entertainment

Sharmila Tagore Makes Surprise Cameo in 'VIBE' With Kunal Khemu

Veteran actor Sharmila Tagore appears in a surprise cameo in VIBE, sharing screen with son-in-law Kunal Khemu. The moment features in the trailer. Veteran actor Sharmila Tagore has made a surprise cameo in the project titled VIBE, appearing on screen alongside her son-in-law, actor Kunal Khemu. The cameo is featured in the trailer for VIBE, marking an on-screen pairing of the two actors, who are related off screen. Tagore takes on a role in the production rather than a passing background appearance. Interest in the news pushed Kunal Khemu into trending searches in India, with the actor drawing more than 200 searches on Google Trends as details of the cameo circulated. Sharmila Tagore is one of Hindi cinema's most recognised names, while Kunal Khemu is an established actor in his own right. Their appearance together in VIBE brings the two family members into the same frame for the project. Further details about VIBE, including the size and nature of Tagore's role, have not been confirmed. Viewers will get their first look at the pairing when the trailer is seen. Sharmila Tagore, Kunal Khemu, VIBE, Sharmila Tagore cameo, Bollywood, VIBE trailer, Kunal Khemu VIBE

0 3 0
4 days ago
Kolkata Hit by Repeated Rain as Orange Alert Covers South Bengal
India

Kolkata Hit by Repeated Rain as Orange Alert Covers South Bengal

Kolkata saw waterlogging as repeated Wednesday rain triggered an orange alert across Howrah, Hooghly and South 24 Parganas, with heavy rain forecast through the week. Rain returned to Kolkata on Wednesday morning, falling in repeated bursts across the city and leaving several roads under water. The downpour came a day after Tuesday's rain had already flooded parts of the city, and conditions on Wednesday showed little sign of easing. The weather department's bulletin warned that Kolkata could see moderate to heavy rain over the following few hours. An orange alert for heavy rain was issued not only for the city but also for the neighbouring districts of Hooghly, South 24 Parganas and Howrah. A separate warning of light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning was issued for Purba Bardhaman. Forecasters said rain would continue across every district of South Bengal. The wet spell is being driven by a deep depression that stretches over Gangetic West Bengal and the adjoining coastal areas of Odisha, Jharkhand and northeastern Madhya Pradesh. Heavy rain forecast through Thursday Thursday is expected to bring rain to all districts of South Bengal, with a yellow alert in place. The heaviest falls are likely in Hooghly, Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman and Birbhum, where very heavy rain is possible. Kolkata, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia and Murshidabad have been given a heavy rain forecast for the same day. Some relief is expected from Friday, though scattered showers are likely to persist across the southern districts even as the overall situation improves. The weather system is forecast to weaken over the next 12 hours, turning from a deep depression into a depression. It is then expected to move towards south Uttar Pradesh and north Madhya Pradesh, gradually shifting the worst of the weather away from the state. North Bengal braces for very heavy rain Conditions are set to remain severe in North Bengal, where a heavy rain alert has been issued for every district over the coming days. Very heavy rain has been forecast for Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar on Thursday. Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar are expected to see heavy rain for the next three days before conditions begin to improve. The sustained rainfall across the hills and plains of the north has raised concern alongside the flooding already reported in the south. The continuous rain has had knock-on effects beyond the state's own skies. The Damodar Valley Corporation has begun releasing water from the Panchet and Maithon reservoirs, a step prompted by relentless rain in Jharkhand and Bihar that has fed the catchment feeding both dams. With heavy rain warnings covering both halves of West Bengal and reservoirs already discharging water, authorities and residents alike are watching how long the disruption will last. For now, the forecasts point to little immediate respite before the weather system moves out of the region later in the week. Kolkata rain, West Bengal weather, South Bengal heavy rain, orange alert, North Bengal rainfall, Jalpaiguri Alipurduar rain, DVC water release, monsoon depression

0 3 0
4 days ago
BCCI Press Meets in Mumbai to Weigh Rohit's Future, ODI Plan
Sports

BCCI Press Meets in Mumbai to Weigh Rohit's Future, ODI Plan

India's cricket leadership gathers in Mumbai on September 3 to review Rohit Sharma's role, ODI direction and losses in Ireland and England ahead of the 2027 World Cup. India's cricket administrators gathered in Mumbai on Thursday, September 3, for a broad performance review, with the playing future of Rohit Sharma and the direction of the one-day side expected to lead the agenda. The meeting brings together the sport's senior decision-makers as the country begins looking toward the 2027 World Cup. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, president Mithun Manhas, head coach Gautam Gambhir, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and Centre of Excellence chief VVS Laxman were all set to attend. ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill and T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer were also expected to join the discussions. Alongside the losses suffered in Ireland, England and Sri Lanka, board officials are said to be troubled by the absence of a firm plan for the 50-over team so close to the next World Cup cycle. The review had originally been scheduled after the Ireland and England trips but was pushed back once the Sri Lanka series was added. It now spans results across several tours, taking in Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka as well. The question of Rohit Sharma sits at the heart of the talks. There is deep regard for what the veteran opener has delivered, but selectors and support staff recognise the need to plan for a time when he is no longer in the side. One proposal on the table would judge his involvement one series at a time, rather than locking in a role that stretches across the whole World Cup build-up. "It's very tough on a young captain like Shubman Gill when there is no clear direction," a BCCI source said, adding that the ODI dressing room had not been at its best, particularly in how senior players are managed. Of the three national teams, the one-day unit is viewed as the most unsettled. Fitness setbacks and workload restrictions have stopped selectors from locking down a dependable group, leaving several spots open. The seam-bowling all-rounder slot is a specific worry. Hardik Pandya remains on a controlled workload after repeated fitness troubles, and Nitish Kumar Reddy has yet to be signed off following his recovery programme. "Hardik, at the moment, has been cleared to bowl six overs in a day. Reddy is still to clear his fitness tests," the source said. "The ODI team doesn't have even half of the core ODI team ready. It has to be a joint effort between the CoE and the team management." The on-field results have added weight to the concerns. India were beaten 2-0 in the T20I series in Ireland and swept 4-0 in England, where the 125-run defeat at Nottingham is regarded internally as among the team's weakest recent displays. Gill's ODI side also went down 2-1 in England. Officials have stressed, however, that the exercise is meant to find fixes rather than hand out blame, with attention on repeated failings in preparation, selection and delivery. Fitness checks and a New Zealand tour ahead Managing player fitness is likely to feature heavily. Jasprit Bumrah sat out the Sri Lanka tour after a knee issue flared up again. Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana are due for assessments at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on September 9. With a two-Test tour of New Zealand set for November and a crowded schedule beyond it, the board wants closer teamwork between medical staff, the strength-and-conditioning group and the selectors to keep more players available. Bigger role for Laxman under review The meeting may also carry administrative weight. Laxman is in line for a wider brief, with talks ongoing about a possible Director of Cricket post covering coaching, selection and player-development pathways. Agarkar's term as chief selector ends later this month and will be reviewed, with a one-year extension among the choices being weighed. The board is also looking at bringing back the Board President's XI fixture before home series, a suggestion put forward by Manhas. That match traditionally pitted leading domestic players and Test contenders against touring teams, offering a route into the national side while giving visitors useful practice. BCCI meeting, Rohit Sharma future, India ODI team, 2027 World Cup, Shubman Gill captain, Gautam Gambhir, VVS Laxman Director of Cricket, Ajit Agarkar

0 3 0
4 days ago