NewsBuzzIndia
Sri Lanka named a 17-man ODI squad for the January 2025 tour of New Zealand, handing captaincy to Charith Asalanka and recalling Wanindu Hasaranga. The three ODIs are set for Wellington, Hamilton, and Auckland on Jan 5, 8, and 11. With several young faces and a few experienced heads, the tour doubles as a testing ground for roles, balance, and adaptability in tough away conditions.
Gujarat Titans have signed Kusal Mendis as Jos Buttler’s replacement ahead of the IPL 2025 playoffs, creating an IPL first as the Sri Lankan is set to debut during the playoffs. Buttler is unavailable due to England’s ODI series vs West Indies. Mendis, fresh off a strong PSL stint, is expected to bat at No. 3. His visa is pending, and he will join the squad once cleared.
A pre-dawn landslide in Mulitaka, Enga Province, buried a village on May 24, 2024. The official death toll is 670, but authorities fear over 2,000 may have died. Only 12 bodies had been recovered by June 7, and more than 7,800 people were displaced. Heavy rain, unstable slopes and nearby mining are suspected factors. Officials warn of secondary slides and disease as rescue work remains dangerous and slow.
Patel Retail’s ₹242.76 crore IPO drew a huge response, with overall subscription at 95.7x and QIBs bidding 272x. Price band was ₹237–255 with a lot size of 58 shares. The company fixed the issue price at ₹255, with listing set for August 26 on BSE and NSE. GMP hovered near 17% before listing. Funds will go to debt reduction, working capital, and corporate purposes.
Singer and healer Kenishaa Francis says she’s receiving death threats after being blamed for actor Jayam Ravi’s split with wife Aarti. She denies causing the breakup, claims Ravi contacted her for therapy after sending a divorce notice, and challenges critics to take her to court. Both sides have made serious allegations, while the case moves through family court and social media blows up.
Toyota is offering August 2025 benefits of up to ₹1.48 lakh on the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Deals combine cash discounts, exchange and corporate bonuses, loyalty rewards, and a 5-year extended warranty. Hybrid trims get the biggest savings. Offers vary by city and stock, so buyers should check with local dealers.
At 45, Venus Williams has received a wild card for the Cincinnati Open after winning matches in her return at the DC Open. Her victory over Peyton Stearns made her the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match. The Cincinnati stop sets up her US Open wild card, where she’ll be the oldest singles entrant since 1981. Local favorite Caty McNally also earned a Cincinnati wild card.
Bhojpuri actor Neelam Giri enters Bigg Boss 19 with open backing from superstar Pawan Singh, setting up a regional-to-national push. The Ballia-raised, Bhutan-born performer brings film credits, viral music videos, and a bold persona. With a political-style season theme, her fanbase could be decisive. Expect alliances, flashpoints, and a test of how far regional power can carry a contestant.
Parineeti Chopra and AAP MP Raghav Chadha are expecting their first child. The couple announced the news on August 25, 2025, with an Instagram post featuring a cake stamped with “1 + 1 = 3” and golden baby footprints, plus a short garden video. Celebrities flooded the post with wishes. The baby is expected by late 2025 or early 2026. Parineeti’s next project is a Netflix mystery thriller by Rensil D’Silva.
Composer-singer Amaal Mallik says a five-year relationship ended after his partner’s family rejected him over religion and his Bollywood career. He recalls a last-minute call before her arranged marriage and explains his mixed-faith background and secular outlook. After headlines flared, he clarified he wasn’t attacking any community. His story adds to the wider talk about interfaith love and family pressure in India.
Trinbago Knight Riders beat defending champions Saint Lucia Kings by 18 runs in Gros Islet to go third in the CPL 2025 table. TKR posted 183/7 and restricted SLK to 165/6. Kieron Pollard starred with the ball (2/38), while Tabraiz Shamsi’s 1/32 with 10 dots stood out for SLK. The result leaves TKR at 2 wins from 3 and SLK at 1 from 3 in the 13th edition of the tournament.
Salman Khan opened Bigg Boss 19 with a live vote that pitted YouTuber Mridul Tiwari against Shehnaaz Gill’s brother Shehbaz Badesha for the 15th slot. Backed by Elvish Yadav, Mridul edged ahead and entered the house, while Shehbaz thanked supporters online. The season rolls out with a Gharwaalon Ki Sarkaar theme and a fresh mix of TV, music, digital, and international faces.