Local Round-up: Smriti Mandhana’s Record, Supreme Court Lifts Delhi Cracker Ban and Karnataka’s Menstrual Leave Policy

From cricketing milestones and progressive policy changes to tech innovations and global diplomacy, this week’s headlines capture a dynamic snapshot of India’s social and cultural evolution. Smriti Mandhana redefined cricketing records, Deepika Padukone took on a new national role, and Karnataka passed a groundbreaking menstrual leave law. Here are the top ten stories shaping India this week.

Smriti Mandhana Becomes Youngest and Fastest Batter to Reach 5,000 ODI Runs

Smriti Mandhana created history by becoming both the youngest and quickest player to reach 5,000 runs in Women’s ODIs. Achieved during India’s World Cup match against Australia in Visakhapatnam, her stellar innings reaffirmed her status as a cornerstone of Indian cricket. Mandhana surpassed global legends in fewer matches, setting new standards for consistency, elegance, and power-hitting, as India cruised to victory.

Taliban Minister Holds Second Press Meet in Delhi After Excluding Women Journalists

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi faced criticism for barring women journalists from his first Delhi press interaction. Responding to backlash, he held a second media briefing that included women reporters, calling the earlier exclusion “unintentional.” The development comes amid ongoing international scrutiny of Afghanistan’s human rights record, particularly regarding women’s participation in public life under Taliban rule.

Inspector Bhawna Chaudhary Becomes First Woman Flight Engineer in BSF Air Wing

Breaking barriers in military aviation, Inspector Bhawna Chaudhary has become the first woman flight engineer in the Border Security Force’s Air Wing. Trained in aircraft maintenance and airborne operations, her appointment marks a significant step towards greater gender inclusion in India’s defence services. Chaudhary’s achievement underscores the BSF’s ongoing efforts to integrate more women into specialised technical roles.

'Steel Man of India’ Vispy Kharadi Lifts 261 kg Hercules Pillars in Record Feat

Fitness icon Vispy Kharadi, known as the “Steel Man of India,” set a new record by holding 261 kg Hercules pillars on his shoulders. The feat, achieved under strict supervision, showcased exceptional strength and endurance. Kharadi, a martial artist and multiple-time world record holder, dedicated his achievement to promoting physical fitness and resilience among India’s youth.

Shubman Gill Surpasses Tendulkar, Trails Kohli After Century Against West Indies

Indian cricket’s rising star Shubman Gill notched his maiden home century as captain, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most runs by an Indian under 25. Gill’s knock placed him just behind Virat Kohli on the all-time list. His consistency and composure have fuelled conversations about India’s next generation of batting greats and leadership succession in men’s cricket.

Deepika Padukone Appointed as India’s First Mental Health Ambassador

Actor and mental health advocate Deepika Padukone has been appointed as India’s first Mental Health Ambassador by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The initiative aims to destigmatise mental health conversations nationwide. Padukone, who founded the Live Love Laugh Foundation, will work to promote awareness, accessibility, and policy support for mental well-being across communities.

Mark Zuckerberg Introduces Hindi Dubbing for Facebook and Instagram Reels

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced a new Hindi dubbing and auto-translation feature for Facebook and Instagram Reels. The update enables creators to reach wider audiences through instant dubbing in Hindi and Portuguese. The move is part of Meta’s strategy to expand inclusivity and content localisation in India, one of its largest and most active social media markets.

Karnataka Becomes First State to Approve 12 Menstrual Leaves for Women Employees

In a landmark decision, Karnataka approved a policy granting 12 annual menstrual leaves to women employees. The initiative applies to both government and select private sectors, marking a significant stride in gender-sensitive workplace reform. The policy aims to improve women’s health outcomes, boost retention, and set a national precedent for inclusive labour rights.

Indian Student Arrivals to the US Drop 44% Ahead of Fall Semester

US universities have reported a 44% decline in new Indian student arrivals ahead of the fall semester, marking the steepest drop since the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts attribute the fall to visa backlogs, rising costs, and growing preference for destinations like Canada and the UK. The dip has raised concerns among education counsellors and Indian families.

Supreme Court Allows Five-Day Sale and Use of Firecrackers During Diwali in Delhi-NCR

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India permitted the sale and bursting of firecrackers in Delhi and NCR for five days during Diwali. The court clarified that only green, low-emission firecrackers would be allowed under strict monitoring. The decision aims to balance cultural traditions with environmental and health considerations amid the region’s severe air pollution concerns.