Every year, just as summer winds down, New York hosts the US Open. For two weeks in late August and early September, the tennis world turns its eyes to Flushing Meadows in Queens. The tournament is played at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, and it is the final Grand Slam of the season.
The Open is different from the others. Wimbledon has its strict traditions and grass courts, the French Open is about clay, and the Australian Open kicks off the year. In New York, the courts are hard, the atmosphere is noisy, and the matches can stretch late into the night under bright lights. Fans pack the stands, sometimes louder than players expect, but that is part of the Open’s identity.
The competition itself is wide-ranging. Men’s and women’s singles draw the headlines, but there are doubles, mixed doubles, juniors, and wheelchair events too. Past champions, Serena Williams, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, have all left lasting moments here. Some matches are remembered as much for the crowd’s energy as for the score line.
Away from the baseline battles, the Open feels like a New York spectacle. Celebrities are spotted courtside, broadcasters cover every angle, and sponsors make sure their presence is felt. But the heart of the event remains the tennis itself. A player steps onto court, faces an opponent across the net, and chases points that could change a career.
That mix, world-class sport, unpredictable drama, and the city’s restless energy, keeps the US Open more than just another tournament. It’s both an ending to the season and a stage for moments people talk about long after the trophies are handed out.
On The Business Today Show, anchor Sakshi Batra details closing market developments as the Nifty and Sensex rebound following six consecutive weeks of losses, with the Nifty closing above 23,400 points supported by gains in FMCG, real estate, and pharmaceutical stocks. ICICI Direct Head of Research Pankaj Pandey provides analysis on crude oil pricing trends, banking sector valuations, and pharmaceutical Schedule M compliance. The report reviews India's 15% export growth over the initial five months of the fiscal year amid geopolitical tensions, pending free trade agreements with the UK and EU, and potential adjustments to Russian crude oil imports under US sanctions. Additionally, the broadcast highlights Starbucks signing an MoU to open its first overseas Global Capability Centre in Chennai to create 800 technology jobs, opposition by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists to mandatory pharmacy CCTV surveillance, and primary market forecasts estimating 1.5 trillion dollars in IPO market capitalization additions.
In an interview with India Today, cognitive scientist and author Gary Marcus discussed the immediate and long-term risks surrounding artificial intelligence, calling current extinction-level warnings exaggerated while emphasizing tangible short-term threats. Marcus noted, "Right now, I think AI is probably a net negative for society," pointing out that current large language models and autonomous agents are unreliable and fundamentally unable to follow rules reliably. Addressing global governance and technology access, Marcus highlighted issues of weaponization, tech equity, and the US-China chip rivalry, arguing that nations are competing over the wrong resource rather than solving architectural limitations in AI. He proposed an FDA-style regulatory framework requiring transparent cost-benefit analyses by independent scientists before AI models are deployed, alongside technical redesigns. Marcus urged global leaders to move away from viewing AI development as a zero-sum geopolitical race and instead adopt cooperative international standards to prevent widespread cybercrime, misinformation, and economic disruption.
Apple has officially launched the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, skipping a base iPhone 18 model for now. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at 1,199 US dollars, while the 18 Pro Max starts at 1,299 US dollars for the 256 GB variants, marking a 100-dollar price increase across models. Official Indian pricing is currently awaited. Alongside the smartphones, Apple introduced AirPods 5 with an open-ear design, the Apple Watch 12, and the Watch Ultra 4, with anticipation also building around Apple's first foldable phone.
The United States Central Command announced that military forces have cleared sea mines laid by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the international shipping lanes of the Strait of Hormuz, declaring the route open. U.S. forces utilized Navy divers, Navy SEALs, and air power across military branches to clear the sea mine threats over several months. During this period, forces assisted over 1,500 vessels carrying more than 750 million barrels of oil through the strait. Despite the clearance, commercial traffic through the waterway remains below pre-war levels, while international maritime advisors and allies urge caution amid ongoing shipping concerns.
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Siddaramaiah on Thursday resigned as Karnataka Chief Minister, ending days of suspense after the Congress high command asked him to step down and pave the way for his deputy DK Shivakumar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a forty-minute phone conversation regarding the West Asia crisis and the necessity of a ceasefire.
US Vice President JD Vance has welcomed a strategic ceasefire between the United States and Iran, describing the development as a 'historic West Asia peace deal'.
An India Today open source intelligence investigation examines why US air strikes may not be enough to reach Iran's hidden uranium at the Isfahan Nuclear Facility.
The West Asia conflict has escalated following a threat from US President Donald Trump to Iran, stating that a failure to immediately open the Strait of Hormuz will result in the obliteration of its electric generating plants, oil wells, and Kharg Island.
US President Donald Trump spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East war, including the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.
On this Special Report, India Today reporter Aishwarya Paliwal provides live updates from Hyderabad House on the landmark India-European Union (EU) summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa to announce the successful conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), described by Paliwal as the 'mother of all deals'. The agreement, which has been in negotiation since 2007, aims to elevate the strategic alliance and security partnership between the two powers. Paliwal highlights that the deal addresses sectors like textiles, gems, jewelry, and leather, while resolving long-standing discussions on dairy and agriculture. The full implementation of the pact is expected by early 2027. The broadcast emphasizes that this deal, representing 25% of global GDP, serves as a strategic move to open new markets and establish powerful trading blocs amidst shifting global trade dynamics and rising US tariffs.
On this Special Report, India Today's Harshad Ahuja discusses the prestigious Padma Awards conferred upon Indian sporting icons. Cricketers Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur are set to receive the Padma Shri, while tennis legend Vijay Amritraj will be honoured with the Padma Bhushan. Harshad Ahuja notes that 'Harmanpreet Kaur becoming the first women Indian captain to go on and end that jinx, get India that first ever World Cup' was a historic milestone achieved in Navi Mumbai. The report highlights Rohit Sharma's leadership in securing the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. Furthermore, Vijay Amritraj is recognised for his pioneering role in globalising Indian tennis and his long-standing association with Wimbledon broadcasts. The discussion underscores the immense contribution of these athletes to Indian sports and their status as household names across generations.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the impending Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, stated, 'Indeed, some call it the mother of all deals' regarding the historic trade pact. The President is scheduled to visit India following her Davos trip, specifically for the Republic Day celebrations, where a formal announcement regarding the conclusion of the deal is expected. This diplomatic move comes as both India and the EU navigate a complex global trade environment marked by significant tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. Foreign Affairs Editor Geeta Mohan notes that while legal nitty-gritty remains, the agreement will open vital markets and businesses. The deal is seen as a strategic counter to economic pressures and other geopolitical threats, signaling a major shift in India-EU bilateral relations and economic cooperation.
This news bulletin covers the Health Ministry's decision to lower the NEET PG 2025 qualifying percentile for reserved categories to zero, a move intended to fill over 18,000 vacant postgraduate medical seats. The program examines the resulting debate over academic standards versus seat-filling in Indian medical education. The bulletin also highlights a public health development where the Delhi Jal Board has started replacing old pipelines in Kunwar Singh Colony after an India Today investigation into toxic water. This is part of a broader effort to replace aging water infrastructure in the city. Further national news includes the political row over a water tragedy in Indore, where contaminated water has reportedly caused multiple deaths. Additionally, the bulletin notes the withdrawal of Danish shuttler Anders Antonsen from the India Open, who cited Delhi's hazardous air quality. On the international front, the program reports on renewed claims by US President Donald Trump regarding Greenland, which he states is a matter of national security to preempt Russian or Chinese influence.
Unidentified speaker reports increased warplane activity at the Al Udaid Air Base in Qatar and says citizens have been urged to leave Iran. The bulletin cites: 'several Mrs.5 warplanes, including KC-135 aerial refueling tanker and B-52 strategic bomber, took off from Al Udaid Air Base on Sunday night.' The discussion notes the base’s location southwest of Doha and its role as a major military hub with a long runway capable of accommodating large aircraft. A colleague adds that the activity suggests possible force augmentation and references remarks attributed in the bulletin to US officials about keeping options open. The programme also mentions unrest in Iran and claims that more than 600 people have died there, alongside reports of arson, torched vehicles and an intensifying warning that the situation could worsen.
Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated dramatically amid widespread protests across 180 Iranian cities. The unrest, initially sparked by rising inflation, has led to a deadly crackdown by the Tehran regime. US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning, stating, 'We're looking at some very strong options'. While keeping the door open for potential negotiations, the US is considering its response to the violence. In Iran, an official has threatened American military bases in the region, declaring them 'legitimate targets' in case of an attack. Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah of Iran, is encouraging the protests, declaring, 'We will reclaim our beloved Iran back from the Islamic Republic'. The report from India Today captures a nation in revolt and a superpower threatening force, suggesting a countdown to conflict may be underway.
This special report covers the escalating trade tensions between India and the United States, with New Delhi holding a firm stance against pressure from Washington. The bulletin highlights contradictory signals from the US administration, including claims by the then-US President about the Indian Prime Minister which were later disputed. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has officially called the American characterization of the trade discussions 'inaccurate'. While India remains open to dialogue, the government has consistently stated that it will only agree to a 'fair and balanced deal' that serves the nation's interests, particularly those of its farmers. The report underscores that New Delhi will not be swayed by tariff pressure or political posturing in the ongoing negotiations.
In this special report, an Indian resident in Venezuela describes the immediate aftermath of the recent US action in the country. The resident notes that 'most of the supermarkets are not open' and describes long queues at smaller shops. An international affairs analyst discusses the geopolitical implications, stating that 'President Trump decided to go all in' after pressure on Maduro failed. The analyst argues that while the US has 'toppled regimes in the past', this bold move sets a concerning precedent for global powers.
In this special market opening report, Business Today anchor Sakshi Batra tracks the key developments impacting the Indian stock markets. The focus is on the upcoming visit of the US trade delegation led by Deputy USTR Rick Switzer from December 10 to 12 to discuss tariff issues. The programme also highlights the severe disruption at Indigo airlines, which has seen over 650 cancellations, prompting a DGCA deadline for the CEO. Senior Market Veteran Ajay Bagga joins the show to analyse how these trade talks could trigger a market rally and discusses the outlook for foreign institutional investors. Consulting Editor Shail Bhatnagar provides insights on the opening trade, including the major block deal in Eternal (Zomato) shares.
