Melbourne

In a high-intensity clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, India fought back strongly after a shaky start in the second T20 against Australia. The visitors, reeling from early dismissals, found stability through a determined 50-run partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Nitish Rana, steering the innings past the 100-run mark. The duo’s composed batting helped India reach 104/5 after a turbulent first half dominated by Australia’s pace attack.

Saurabh Anand, a 30-year-old Indian-origin man residing in Melbourne, became the victim of a horrifying machete attack allegedly carried out by a teenage gang. The incident occurred in a suburban neighborhood where Anand was reportedly ambushed, leaving him with near-fatal injuries, including a nearly severed hand. As authorities investigate the motivations behind the unprovoked violence, questions are being raised about rising youth crime, the safety of migrants, and the effectiveness of community policing.

India’s first openly LGBTQ-themed film, Badnaam Basti (1971), is set to receive long-overdue recognition as it returns to the global spotlight at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). The rare and historically significant Hindi film, which boldly addressed same-sex relationships decades before it became part of public discourse, will be showcased as part of the festival’s tribute to cinematic milestones.

Air India on Friday announced the cancellation of eight flights, including four international routes, citing enhanced maintenance requirements and operational considerations. The affected flights include services between India and destinations such as Dubai and Melbourne, alongside key domestic sectors. The airline emphasized that passenger convenience remains a priority, offering full refunds or complimentary rescheduling to mitigate disruption. Efforts are underway to re-accommodate travellers on alternative services at the earliest opportunity.

A recent controversy involving Indian pop star Neha Kakkar’s delayed appearance at a Melbourne concert has snowballed into a public dispute between the singer and Australian event organizers. Kakkar claims mistreatment, including lack of basic amenities and non-payment, while organizers counter that she refused to perform due to a lower-than-expected turnout. The financial stakes are high, with audience members reportedly paying Rs. 16,000 per ticket and organizers alleging losses upward of AUD 500,000.