Local Round-up: India’s Hockey Asia Cup Win, Anuparna’s Win at Venice, and Punjab Flood Updates

From sporting victories to natural disasters, and from academic achievements to international recognition, this week brought a mix of triumph and tragedy across India. Here is a local roundup of the biggest developments shaping headlines across local news and stories.

India Clinches Asia Cup Hockey Title with 4-1 Victory Over Korea, Qualifies for World Cup

India ended an eight-year wait by defeating South Korea 4-1 in the men’s Asia Cup hockey final. Goals from Mandeep Singh, Gurjant Singh, and Harmanpreet Singh sealed the win, with India dominating possession and scoring decisive touches in the last quarter. This triumph not only brought home the continental title but also secured India’s qualification for the 2026 Hockey World Cup, reinforcing its position as a powerhouse in the sport.

Anuparna Roy Becomes First Indian to Win Best Director at Venice Horizons Section

Filmmaker Anuparna Roy created history at the Venice Film Festival by winning the Best Director award in the Horizons section for Songs of Forgotten Trees. She became the first Indian to achieve this honour at the prestigious festival. The film, celebrated for its lyrical storytelling and experimental style, explores themes of memory, ecology, and identity. Roy’s win was hailed as a milestone moment for Indian independent cinema on the global stage.

Lightning Strike on Methanol Tanker Sparks Massive Fire at Vizag Petroleum Facility

A lightning strike ignited a methanol tanker at a petrochemical facility in Visakhapatnam, sparking a major fire that sent plumes of smoke across the city. Firefighting teams rushed to the scene, bringing the blaze under control after hours of intense operations. Authorities confirmed that no casualties were reported, though damage to storage infrastructure was extensive. The incident raised questions about safety preparedness at sensitive facilities in coastal regions prone to extreme weather.

Jadavpur University Ranked India’s Best State University, Calcutta University Declines Sharply

Bengal’s Jadavpur University has topped the rankings as India’s best state university, reaffirming its reputation for excellence in research and academics. In stark contrast, Calcutta University saw a steep fall in its performance, slipping several places in the latest assessment. Experts attributed Jadavpur’s success to sustained innovation and faculty strength, while pointing to systemic and administrative challenges behind Calcutta University’s decline. The contrasting fortunes highlight the uneven trajectory of higher education institutions in the state.

Punjab Floods Claim 46 Lives, Losses Estimated at Rs. 14,000 Crore Across 1,996 Villages

The devastating floods in Punjab have killed at least 46 people and affected nearly 2,000 villages, with damages estimated at Rs. 14,000 crore. Torrential rains and breaches in embankments left thousands homeless, destroyed crops, and severely disrupted livelihoods. Relief operations are underway, with the state government seeking central assistance to manage rehabilitation. The disaster has reignited debates over climate resilience, urban planning, and the long-term preparedness of Punjab to handle extreme weather events.

FIR Registered After Ashoka Emblem Plaque Vandalised at Srinagar’s Hazratbal Shrine

An FIR has been filed after a plaque featuring the Ashoka emblem was vandalised at the Hazratbal shrine complex in Srinagar. Authorities condemned the act as an affront to national heritage and launched an investigation to identify the culprits. The Hazratbal shrine, a revered religious site, draws thousands of pilgrims each year. The incident has triggered concerns about protecting cultural and historical symbols at prominent religious and public spaces.

India Sends 21 Tonnes of Relief Materials to Earthquake-Hit Afghanistan

India has delivered 21 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan in response to a devastating earthquake. The relief package, sent via a special IAF aircraft, included tents, sleeping bags, medicines, and essential supplies for displaced families. Indian officials emphasised that humanitarian assistance transcends political differences. The move has been widely welcomed as a gesture of solidarity with Afghan citizens enduring hardship, reinforcing India’s role as a regional responder during crises.

Bengaluru to Host India’s First AI City at Bidadi, Major Tech Hub Planned

Bengaluru is set to establish India’s first AI city in Bidadi, with the project aiming to attract global investment and generate tens of thousands of jobs. Planned as a dedicated hub for artificial intelligence research, innovation, and startups, the city will feature cutting-edge infrastructure, R&D centres, and training facilities. Officials hope the initiative will strengthen India’s leadership in emerging technologies while fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and government on AI-driven solutions.

ED Summons Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan in Illegal Betting App Case Probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan for questioning in connection with an illegal betting app case. The investigation focuses on alleged financial irregularities and money laundering linked to the platform. Dhawan is expected to clarify his role during the probe. While no charges have been filed against him yet, the case has sparked controversy, highlighting the growing nexus between online betting platforms and regulatory scrutiny in India.

IIT Professor Mitesh Khapra Named to TIME’s AI 2025 List with Musk and Altman

Mitesh Khapra, a professor at IIT Madras, has been featured in TIME’s prestigious AI 2025 list, joining global leaders like Elon Musk and Sam Altman. Recognised for his pioneering research on Indian language models and accessible AI tools, Khapra’s work has advanced inclusivity in technology. His inclusion marks a significant achievement for Indian academia, spotlighting the country’s growing contributions to global AI innovation and research alongside industry titans shaping the field.