general

WNBA semifinals set: Minnesota, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Indiana

Leave a comment

The WNBA semifinals are set, and a new champion is guaranteed after all four remaining teams faced tough challenges in the opening round.

Minnesota, Las Vegas, and Phoenix have all made it this far in recent years, showcasing their consistency and experience in the postseason.

Meanwhile, Indiana, even without the injured Caitlin Clark, achieved a significant milestone by winning a playoff series for the first time in franchise history.

As these teams prepare for the next phase of the competition, fans can expect intense matchups and exciting basketball.
https://sports.inquirer.net/640915/wnba-semifinals-set-minnesota-las-vegas-phoenix-and-indiana

asia cup, cricket, sports

Asia Cup 2025: Andy Pycroft, Who PCB Requested To Be Removed Over Handshake Row, Set To Officiate IND vs PAK Super 4 Clash, Claims Report

Leave a comment

Zimbabwean match referee Andy Pycroft, who the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) requested to be banned from Asia Cup 2025 following the controversial handshake incident, will reportedly officiate the Super 4 match between Pakistan and India on Sunday, September 21.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected PCB’s request to ban Pycroft from the remainder of the tournament. Despite the controversy, Pycroft officiated Pakistan’s recent match against the UAE without any changes.

The controversy arose after the Group stage match between India and Pakistan, when the PCB released a statement claiming that Pycroft had instructed captains Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands. Pakistan was visibly upset over the Indian players not shaking hands, with Agha notably skipping the post-game presentation duties in protest.

Before the match against the UAE, the PCB had formally written to the ICC requesting Pycroft’s ban, citing a violation of the spirit of cricket. The Pakistan vs. UAE match was also surrounded by rumors of a potential boycott from Pakistan’s side. However, after an hour’s delay, the game proceeded as scheduled.

Looking back at recent performances, both Team India and Pakistan secured victories in their previous matches. India defeated Oman, while Pakistan managed a 41-run win over the UAE. Though Pakistan will draw confidence from their recent win, they face a challenging task in overcoming the formidable Indian side.

In their Group Stage encounter, the Men in Blue outplayed Pakistan comprehensively, winning by seven wickets. While India rested key players Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy against Oman, both are expected to return for the high-stakes clash with Pakistan.

For Pakistan to triumph over India, they will need to deliver an exceptional performance. The Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup kicks off on Sunday with Sri Lanka facing Bangladesh, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling tournament phase.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/asia-cup-2025-andy-pycroft-who-pcb-requested-to-be-removed-over-handshake-row-set-to-officiate-ind-vs-pak-super-4-clash-claims-report

consumer affairs, dispute resolution, government, policy, technology

National Consumer Helpline Now Accepts GST-Related Complaints In 16 Languages To Address Queries And Disputes Effectively

Leave a comment

New Delhi: The Department of Consumer Affairs on Saturday launched a dedicated GST grievance category on the National Consumer Helpline to address queries and complaints related to the GST 2.0 reforms.

The National Consumer Helpline can be accessed via the toll-free number 1915 or online in 16 Indian languages and English. It functions as a single pre-litigation point of access for consumers across the country to register grievances at the pre-litigation stage.

Consumers can also register GST-related complaints through the Integrated Grievance Redressal Mechanism (INGRAM) portal. This portal covers key sectors such as automobiles, banking, consumer durables, e-commerce, and fast-moving consumer goods.

The new GST reforms are set to take effect from September 22. To address the expected consumer queries and complaints following the implementation of revised GST charges, rates, and exemptions, a dedicated category has been enabled on the INGRAM portal, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution said.

On September 11, officials from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) conducted an inaugural training session to equip National Consumer Helpline counsellors to handle GST-related queries and grievances effectively.

The Ministry highlighted that consumer complaint data and insights will be shared with affected companies, the CBIC, and other authorities. This collaborative approach aims to enable prompt action under relevant laws, enhance GST compliance, and support a participatory governance model.

The National Consumer Helpline’s omni-channel platform supports multiple registration modes, including WhatsApp, SMS, email, a dedicated app, web portal, and the Umang app, the ministry added.

Significant technological upgrades have boosted the helpline’s call-handling capacity. Call volumes increased from 12,553 in December 2015 to 1,55,138 in December 2024. Similarly, the average number of complaints registered per month rose from 37,062 in 2017 to 1,70,585 in 2025, with around 65% of grievances now filed digitally.

Each complaint is assigned a unique docket number to ensure transparent tracking and resolution, the ministry noted.

*(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/national-consumer-helpline-now-accepts-gst-related-complaints-in-16-languages-to-address-queries-and-disputes-effectively

general

PVL Reinforced: ZUS Coffee, Farm Fresh sign American, Belgian imports

Leave a comment

MANILA, Philippines — Sister teams ZUS Coffee and Farm Fresh on Friday unveiled their respective imports ahead of October’s PVL Reinforced Conference.

ZUS Coffee signed American outside spiker Anna DeBeer, while Farm Fresh tapped former Belgium national team player Helene Rousseaux.

READ: PVL: Riza Nogales, ZUS’ third-round pick shows upside

ZUS made back-to-back playoff runs in recent seasons, aiming to build on their strong performance with the addition of DeBeer.

https://sports.inquirer.net/640890/pvl-reinforced-zus-coffee-farm-fresh-sign-american-belgian-imports

afghanistan, defense, international relations, politics

Trump seeks to reclaim Taliban-conquered air base in Afghanistan

Leave a comment

**Trump Seeks to Reclaim Taliban-Conquered Air Base in Afghanistan**

Former President Donald Trump has expressed intentions to reclaim Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, which was recently taken over by the Taliban. Citing strategic concerns, Trump highlighted the air base’s proximity to China as a key motivation behind this proposed move. According to him, Bagram is located approximately an hour away from a site where China is reportedly developing nuclear weapons.

![A Taliban soldier enters a helicopter at Bagram Air Base in Parwan, Afghanistan, September 23, 2021](image-url.jpg)
*Caption: A Taliban soldier enters a helicopter at Bagram Air Base in Parwan, Afghanistan, September 23, 2021.*
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-868131

general

Hezbollah urges Saudi Arabia to reconcile, unite against Israel amid strikes

Leave a comment

**Hezbollah Chief Naim Qassem Urges Saudi Arabia to Reconcile Amid Escalating Strikes in Southern Lebanon**

Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem has called on Saudi Arabia to reconcile and unite against Israel as strikes escalate in southern Lebanon. He emphasized the importance of opening a new chapter in relations between Riyadh and Hezbollah, highlighting the need for solidarity in the face of ongoing conflict.

Qassem stressed that Hezbollah’s arms are aimed solely at Israel, underscoring the group’s focus on responding to Israeli actions in the region.

His appeal comes amid intense Israeli raids that have resulted in civilian casualties, despite existing ceasefire terms. The situation remains volatile, with growing calls for unity among opposing sides.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/hezbollah-urges-saudi-arabia-to-reconcile-and-unite-against-israel-amid-lebanon-strikes-23594940

energy, environment, government, infrastructure, politics

PM Modi Inaugurates Mumbai Cruise Terminal, Deendayal Port Facilities And Multiple Green Energy Projects

Leave a comment

Bhavnagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs 34,200 crore at the ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’ event in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar.

As part of the maritime sector initiatives, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for projects worth over Rs 7,870 crore, including the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal at Indira Dock. He also laid the foundation stone of a new container terminal and associated facilities at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata; new container berth, cargo handling facilities, and associated developments at Paradip Port; the Tuna Tekra Multi-Cargo Terminal; firefighting facilities and modern road connectivity at Kamarajar Port, Ennore; coastal protection works including sea-walls and revetments at Chennai Port; sea-wall construction at Car Nicobar Island; a multi-purpose cargo berth and Green Bio-Methanol Plant at Deendayal Port, Kandla; and ship repair facilities at Patna and Varanasi.

In line with his commitment to holistic and sustainable development, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple projects worth over Rs 26,354 crore, jointly undertaken by the central and state governments, catering to various sectors in Gujarat.

He inaugurated the HPLNG Regasification Terminal at Chhara Port, the Acrylics & Oxo Alcohol Project at Gujarat IOCL Refinery, the 600 MW Green Shoe Initiative, the PM-KUSUM 475 MW Component C solar feeder for farmers, the 45 MW Badeli Solar PV Project, and the complete solarisation of Dhordo village, among others.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation for LNG infrastructure, additional renewable energy projects, coastal protection works, highways, and healthcare and urban transport projects. These include expansions at Sir T. General Hospital in Bhavnagar, Guru Govind Sinh Government Hospital at Jamnagar, and the four-laning of 70 km of national highways.

During the event, the Prime Minister was felicitated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Earlier in the day, he inspected an exhibition organized as part of ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’ and held a roadshow in Bhavnagar.

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/pm-modi-inaugurates-mumbai-cruise-terminal-deendayal-port-facilities-and-multiple-green-energy-projects

business, ecommerce, regional economy, technology

Amazon Doubles Product Deliveries In The Same & Next Day Categories In Assam, Registering Demand Hike For Premium Commodities

Leave a comment

**Amazon Doubles Same and Next Day Deliveries in Assam, Sees Surge in Demand for Premium Products**

Guwahati: E-commerce giant Amazon has announced a significant increase in its operations in Assam, reporting that it has doubled its product deliveries in the same and next-day categories within the state. This growth is accompanied by a rising demand for premium products among customers in the region.

According to a company official, more than 10,000 sellers from Assam have benefited through Amazon’s platform, reaching out to customers across India. Pallavi Singh, Senior Manager of Amazon Prime India, stated, “Amazon India is gearing up to meet rising customer demand in Assam, especially Guwahati, bringing customers unmatched value, speed, and selection.”

Singh highlighted that this festive season, there is a noticeable preference for premium products in the fashion and beauty categories among Guwahati shoppers. She elaborated, “Watches and luxury beauty products are seeing a 30 percent year-on-year growth, driven by demand for metal strap digital and analog watches and moisture-rich beauty products. Demand for jewellery in Assam is also on the rise, growing 20 percent year-on-year, with traditional Assamese designs continuing to be a customer favourite.”

With Durga Puja approaching, Singh noted a spike in searches for complete beauty looks on Amazon. Furthermore, contemporary jewellery and luxury beauty products are gaining higher traction during the wedding season.

Other popular product categories among buyers in Assam include smartphones, consumer electronics, fashion and beauty items, home and kitchen products, groceries, and everyday essentials.

Singh also emphasized that Amazon empowers over 10,000 sellers from Assam who sell across various categories such as home goods, groceries, and toys to customers nationwide. Additionally, the company is generating hundreds of new job opportunities in the region.

Amazon’s operational network in Assam now includes one new fulfilment centre, one sortation centre, more than 200 I Have Space (IHS) stores, and over 50 delivery stations. “These investments have enabled Amazon to deliver more than twice as many products year-on-year with same and next-day delivery options in Guwahati,” Singh said.

Looking ahead, Amazon is preparing to launch its ‘Amazon Great Indian Festival’ starting September 23. Customers can expect the widest product selection at competitive prices, coupled with fast delivery services. Prime members will enjoy exclusive benefits, including additional offers and early 24-hour access to deals.

*Disclaimer: This story is sourced from a syndicated feed. No changes have been made except to the headline.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/amazon-doubles-product-deliveries-in-the-same-next-day-categories-in-assam-registering-demand-hike-for-premium-commodities

athletics, competition, events, sports, tennis

Hangzhou Open 2025: Alexander Bublik vs Aleksandar Vukic preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds, and pick

Leave a comment

Match Details

  • Fixture: (3) Alexander Bublik vs Aleksandar Vukic
  • Date: September 20, 2025
  • Tournament: Hangzhou Open 2025
  • Round: Second Round (Round of 16)
  • Venue: Hangzhou Olympic Sports Expo Center, Hangzhou, China
  • Category: ATP 250
  • Surface: Hard
  • Prize Money: $1,019,185
  • Live Telecast: USA Tennis Channel | UK Sky Sports | Canada TSN+

Alexander Bublik vs Aleksandar Vukic Preview

Third-seeded Alexander Bublik will face Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic in the second round of the 2025 Hangzhou Open on Saturday, September 20.

Having previously struggled for motivation, Bublik has hit a rich vein of form following his maiden Major quarterfinal run at the French Open. Currently ranked World No. 19, he has won 16 of his last 19 matches on the ATP Tour, capturing three titles in the process.

Having received a first-round bye in Hangzhou, the 28-year-old will be eager to pick up his first hardcourt title since winning the 2024 Open de Sud France last February.

Vukic, meanwhile, has not enjoyed the same level of success as Bublik recently, as reflected in his 10-23 win/loss record on the ATP Tour this year. Before this week, the 29-year-old had dropped his last five hardcourt main draw tour-level matches, including a first-round exit at the US Open.

However, that did not deter World No. 93 Vukic, who fought hard in his first-round match at the Hangzhou Open on Friday, defeating former World No. 7 David Goffin 6-4, 1-6, 6-1.

Head-to-Head

Vukic holds a slight edge over Bublik with a 2-1 lead in their ATP Tour head-to-head meetings. The Australian defeated his younger rival in their only tour-level hardcourt encounter at the 2022 Adelaide International 2.

Notably, Bublik won their most recent match on the hardcourts of the Phoenix Challenger; however, this does not count towards their official ATP record.

Odds

All betting odds sourced from BetMGM.

Prediction

Bublik’s game has been flowing freely in recent months, making him one of the most dangerous players on the ATP Tour. When he’s on, his serves and forehands consistently find the court for winners.

Although standing at 6’5″, Bublik’s movement can be somewhat sheepish, but his anticipation and court IQ allow him to maintain solid footing during longer rallies.

Vukic does not possess the same level of power as Bublik but compensates with impressive footspeed. However, simply chasing down balls and hoping for errors is not an effective strategy against a shotmaker of Bublik’s caliber — especially on the fast hardcourts of Hangzhou.

Pick: Alexander Bublik to win in straight sets.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/hangzhou-open-2025-alexander-bublik-vs-aleksandar-vukic-preview-head-to-head-prediction-odds-pick

Exit mobile version